DISTANT SHORES Biscayne Bay May Be Our Area’S Most Prominent Feature, but Just Try Getting Close to It by ROB JORDAN Photos by Silvia Ros

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October 2008

Serving the communities along the Biscayne Corridor, including Arch Creek East, Bay Point, Bayside, Biscayne Park, Belle Meade, Buena Vista, Design District, Downtown, Edgewater, El Portal, Hibiscus Island, Keystone Point, Miami Shores, Morningside, North Bay Island, North Miami, Oakland Grove, Palm Grove, Palm Island, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Star Island, Wynwood, and Venetian Islands www.BiscayneTimes.com Volume 6, Issue 8 DISTANT SHORES Biscayne Bay may be our area’s most prominent feature, but just try getting close to it BY ROB JORDAN Photos by Silvia Ros

he only sound in the world, it Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater River State Park? Not just get to the swimming, loitering, and a host of other seems, is the rhythmic splashing of Paddling Trail, overseeing a segment of water, but get in it to cool off, swim, innocent activities. As a 2006 study by Tpaddle on sun-speckled water. Boat the statewide trail that stretches from launch a boat, or just float around. the Trust for Public Land put it: “...A traffic is light, the wind low on this week- John Pennekamp State Park to the north- The waterfront, after all, is synony- surprising number of South Florida resi- day morning. A silent current propels us ern end of Biscayne Bay. He had good- mous with Miami. It is one of the main dents rarely encounter the beautiful north as we paddle our brightly colored naturedly agreed to come on this some- reasons millions flock here for vacations waters that characterize our community.” kayaks along downtown Miami’s bayfront. what quixotic mission. and new lives. It is a point of meditation, “Who is the waterfront for?” asks Rick Poston, a third-generation We are looking for portals into a source of sustenance literally and spiri- Greg Bush, a founder and current vice Miamian whose grandfather helped build Miami’s soul. More specifically, we are tually, an ecological wonderland. president of programs for the Urban Henry Flagler’s Royal Palm Hotel at the looking for waterfront access points. But for many Miamians, perhaps Environment League of Greater Miami. mouth of the Miami River, is my travel Where and how can the average person most, the waterfront remains out of “Is it for the people with the fancy con- companion. It’s his 66th birthday. A vol- get to the bay at any point along the ten- reach, concealed behind the walls of dos that overlook the water?” Bush unteer with the Florida Paddling Trails mile stretch from downtown’s high-rise condominiums and private homes, or Association, Poston is a steward for the canyons to the mangrove forests of Oleta posted with signs prohibiting fishing, Continued on page 14

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Miami’s biggest Boulevard Miami’s oldest Why Liberty and best listings. construction cemetery is City is not was a bad no picnic. Page 50 Cuba. dream. Page 40 Page 20 Page 26 2 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 3 C OMMENTARY: PUBLISHER’ S L ETTER

PO Box 370566, Miami, FL 33137 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jack King: Angry Rants Mr. King’s “Lessons Unlearned” is Member of the nothing but an angry rant from a man Candidate Forums Florida Press Association and Visceral Hatred? with visceral hate for anything and any- Jack King’s opinion piece “Four n anticipation of the November 4 one he disagrees with. Biscayne Times www.BiscayneTimes.com Decades of Lessons Unlearned” general election, two candidate readers deserve better. (September 2008) concludes with this Iforums have been organized for Susannah Worth PUBLISHER & EDITOR line: “This country needs Barack the benefit of Biscayne Corridor vot- Jim Mullin Miami Beach [email protected] Obama.” But he never really tells us ers. On Wednesday, October 29, the why. All he writes is that he doesn’t like two candidates vying for the state INTERNS the current administration, he doesn’t Fleeing Palm Bay Towers senate from District 35, Democrat Andrew Leins think we are doing the right things, and Dan Gelber and Republican Dean [email protected] Was the Smartest Thing believes Americans aren’t working Santoro, will speak and take ques- Erin Polla We Ever Did together. Well, most of us are working tions. Also on that date, the four can- [email protected] My wife and I owned an apartment at together, but perhaps not in some left- didates for Clerk of the Circuit Court CONTRIBUTORS Palm Bay Towers for a few years, and it wing communal manner that would suit — Darrin McGillis, Alfredo Perez, Victor Barrenchea, Pamela Robin Brandt, was the most terrifying living experi- Terence Cantarella, Bill Citara, Wendy Mr. King better. incumbent Harvey Ruvin, and Julio ence I’d had since my freshmen year in Doscher-Smith, Kathy Glasgow, Jim W. What he fails to explain is why Valido — will do likewise. Harper, Lisa Hartman, Jen Karetnick, Jack college, more than 20 years ago. We Barack Obama is qualified to be On Thursday, October 30, candidates King, Derek McCann, Frank Rollason, were harassed so much from the condo President of the United States. The for county property appraiser (a first Silvia Ros, Jeff Shimonski commandos at Palm Bay that we decid- U.S. Senate had been in session only for Miami-Dade), will appear. They are ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ed to sell our apartment. It was a diffi- 143 days between his taking office as Pedro J. Garcia, Eddie Lewis, Gwen Marc Ruehle cult task just to be on the elevator with a senator and declaring himself a Margolis, and Jim Shedd. [email protected] such challenging people. candidate for president. As the editor The forums will take place at OFFICE MANAGER I found Rob Jordan’s article ironic of his law school’s review, he never American Legion Post 29 and will Wilmer Ametin (“Up Close and Personal — and wrote anything for publication. In begin at 6:30 p.m. The post is locat- [email protected] Vicious,” September 2008) because the fact as a professor of law, he never ed on 64th Street east of Biscayne ART DIRECTOR condo commandos referred to our two wrote anything. Boulevard, close to the bay. For Marcy Mock rescued, ten-pound poodles as vicious, His job as “community organizer” more information, contact Bob [email protected] but the article showed that the people (also known as “outside agitator”) was Powers, president of the Palm Grove ADVERTISING DESIGN were the vicious ones, and our dogs really just leading others to rely on gov- Neighborhood Association and Image Tech Studios were scared of them. forum host, at 305-299-0052. www.imagetechstudios.com ernment handouts. This is not the résumé of a leader, nor is it preparation — Jim Mullin The Biscayne Times welcomes proposals Continued on page 6 for articles and press releases. Submitted for being president. material may be edited for length, clarity, and content. All submitted material becomes the property of The Biscayne Times. Please be ABLE OF ONTENTS sure to include your name, address and tele- T C phone number in all correspondence. All articles, photos, and artwork in the COVER STORY POLICE REPORTS Biscayne Times are copyrighted by Biscayne Distant Shores...... 1 Biscayne Crime Beat ...... 32 Media, LLC. Any duplication or reprinting without authorized written consent from the publisher is prohibited. COMMENTARY ART & CULTURE The Biscayne Times is published the first Feedback...... 4 Female but Maybe Not Feminist...... 34 week of each month. We are hand delivered Miami’s King...... 10 to all the homes along both sides of Biscayne Art Listings...... 36 Boulevard from downtown and the Venetian Word on the Street...... 12 Culture Briefs ...... 39 Islands to Arch Creek. The neighborhoods we serve include: Arch OUR SPONSORS Creek East, Bayside, Biscayne Park, Belle PARK PATROL BizBuzz ...... 8 Meade, Buena Vista, Davis Harbor, Design Miami City Cemetery: Dying To Get In ...... 40 District, Edgewater, El Portal, Keystone Point, Advertiser Directory...... 8 Magnolia Park, Miami Shores, Morningside, North Miami, Oakland Grove, Omni, Palm COLUMNISTS Grove, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Wynwood, NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS Kids and the City: A New Take on Book-of-the-Month Club ..... 42 and Venetian Islands. In addition we are dis- Kathy Glasgow: Cuba’s Open Doors ...... 20 tributed to select businesses in Buena Vista Tech Talk: Mac vs. PC — Making the Switch...... 43 Jen Karetnick: A Country Club in Terminal Decline ...... 22 West, Little River Business District, Design Pawsitively Pets: One Command Solves the Problem ...... 44 District and Wynwood. Frank Rollason: Hair in the Hood...... 24 Harper’s Environment: Kill Baby Kill...... 46 Advertise! COMMUNITY NEWS Your Garden: Butterfly Magnets and Wind Victims...... 48 305-756-6200 The Boulevard Is Back!...... 26 WE NOW ACCEPT Market Rebounds! ...... 28 DINING GUIDE CREDIT CARDS Further Adventures of the Boulevard’s Big Man ...... 28 Restaurant Listings ...... 50 The High Cost of Pumping Gas ...... 29 Wine: Red White & You...... 52

4 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 5 C OMMENTARY: FEEDBACK Letters editor would find a new correspondent for the Biscayne Park area, someone who Continued from page 4 would actually focus on Biscayne Park and We want to thank the residents of its relationship to today’s issues in general. Palm Bay Towers because we sold our So you can imagine my horror and a condo before the condo market crashed. disappointment when I opened my We purchased a beautiful home, the poo- September Biscayne Times and found dles are happy, and we come home to that the Dave Barry/Carl Hiaasen peace every night. wannabe (which, trust me, she is not) Matt Bain was still writing her dribble and drab stu- Baywood pidity, the only change being that she is telling us about a place that once again is not Biscayne Park and has nothing to do Amid the Parking Meters, with Biscayne Park. Don’t Forget Pedal Power Fernando Garcia-Urbina Regarding Elizabeth Joyce’s article Biscayne Park “Round One of the Parking Wars” (September 2008), as the Upper Eastside Miami’s True Grit Makes continues to think through its parking needs with the help of the Miami for Great Storytelling Parking Authority, I hope all concerned I applaud Biscayne Times for two will remember to provide bicycle park- standout pieces of journalism in the ing close to those vibrant new shops and August issue. I have always wondered café along the Biscayne Corridor. about those two properties — the City Inn Putting in sturdy, convenient bike racks hotel and the Boulevard Theater (“Edifice would do a lot to help workers and the Complex”). Writers Terence Cantarella shops’ patrons save on gas money while (City Inn) and Erik Bojnansky (Boulevard reducing noise, fumes, and traffic conges- Theater) really brought things to life and tion on neighborhood streets. reported in an even-handed way, refusing John D. Hopkins to vilify the property owners and examin- Miami ing the facts from several angles. Mr. Cantarella’s article was particularly good journalism. I have to com- Wendy’s Value: Reminding mend him for 1) sheer bravery and 2) Us We’re Not the Only real descriptive prowess. His prose is Crazies what I might expect from a national I’ve long been a fan of Wendy publication such as The New York Doscher-Smith’s “Neighborhood Times. I feel proud to find him painting Correspondents” columns, but she has such a vivid (if hideous) canvas right reached new heights of hilarity with her here in Miami. report from upstate New York (“Miami These are both stories about real Has No Monopoly on Weirdness,” Miami landmarks, owned by real Miami September 2008). Knowing Wendy as characters. If we want happy tourist sto- the animal lover she is, I can actually ries, we can always snap on Deco Drive. picture her stalking the poor woodchucks I’m glad someone has the courage to in Endicott’s Grippen Park. portray the grittiness that gives the It is my fervent wish that you keep Magic City its real texture. Wendy on staff. She translates so well no Dale Hershman matter where she lives, and let’s face it, Miami she lets us know that crazies live up Bugged by Jen’s Bug North too! Pam Stack Column Kendall After reading Jen Karetnick’s column “Land of the Free, Home of the Bug” (August 2008), I had to write. We live in Wendy’s Value: Belle Meade and we use a service that Unplugging Her Computer sprays for termites in our roof and crawl and Staying Far, Far Away spaces, and we haven’t had a bug prob- I was ecstatic when I read that Wendy lem in ten years. It’s a lot less disruptive Doscher-Smith was going to stop writing than tenting, and the pets don’t freak out. her inane, boring, badly written, and just Good luck to her! plain stupid column. I had hopes that the Alain Boyer Belle Meade

6 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 7 O UR S PONSORS BizBuzz: October 2008 Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible By Pamela Robin Brandt there’s also a take-out Oktoberfest menu by Brazilian interior designer Ana school office manager Mariela Monica: BT Contributor for those who’d prefer an at-home festi- Cristina Correia, needn’t worry. The Scholastic sends the school hundreds of val for 10 to 100 people. shop’s new line of furniture and acces- titles, in English and Spanish; teachers n summertime the livin’ is supposed Did we mention that the above irre- sories by renowned, award-winning and kids go through the literary treasure to be easy, but foodies practically sistible beers are served in humongous Venezuelan architect Fernan Hernandez chest and make “wish lists”; parents Ineed a whole dedicated PDA to keep one-liter steins? So suffice to say that is exclusive, not available anywhere else come to the fair, buy the books, and track of restaurants’ weird, cut-back there couldn’t be a better month for in town. Pieces debuting this month donate them to the school. Hours of the summer schedules. Fans of Greek food Shuichi Take Fitness Club’s October include a lounge chair, a cocktail table, fair, which is open to the general public in this paper’s area, however, can finally special: 20 percent off all one-on-one fit- and artwork made from bamboo. also, are noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday- free up that RAM. As of October 20, the ness packages for new club or at-home Being a do-gooder always feels good, Wednesday, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. folks at Ariston Restaurant will be clients. Additionally, any current member and occasionally it tastes good, too. Thursday and Friday, with special events going back to their normal, easy-to- who refers a new member will receive an During October at Edible Arrangements (including family story times and an remember schedule. The North Beach extra month of membership. — where the “flowers” are actually cun- exhibit of books created by the kids restaurant will be open for both lunch The Upper Eastside Green Market ningly carved fresh fruit — ten percent of themselves) on the fair’s final day. and dinner, seven days a week. gets in on the Halloween fun with its the purchase price for two special bou- Remember South Beach in the fun, low- No need to wait till Halloween to dress return to regular operation at Legion Park quets will be donated to the National rent, early 1990s, when drag queens and up in silly clothes and score treats. (66th Street and Biscayne Boulevard) on Breast Cancer Foundation, according to Jody McDonald’s attitude-free afternoon Chef/owner Alex Richter of the Royal Saturday, October 25. Neighborhood kids owner Reda Monem. The featured tea dances ruled? Well, probably you don’t Bavarian Schnitzel Haus extends an are invited to dress up in their scariest arrangements are the $55 Breast Cancer remember, especially if you were there. invite to “wear your lederhosen or dirndl Halloween costumes and join a parade Awareness bouquet (fresh strawberries But the new Sunday evening (6:00-11:00 and party with us” every night in around the park at 10:00 a.m. Judges will hand-dipped in pink chocolate, in a pink p.m.) Good Life party at 55th Street October, from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. (mid- select the best of them at 11:00 a.m. The ribbon-adorned pot) or the $59 Awareness Station’s News Lounge will bring it all night on Fridays and Saturdays), during market this season will feature organic Celebration bouquet (the same chocolate- back, with McDonald spinning tunes, per- the German eatery’s month-long and locally grown produce, plus arts and dipped strawberries plus pineapple daisies formances by local legends like drag diva Oktoberfest. Along with seasonal food crafts. Market maven Claire Tomlin says and stars, honeydew and cantaloupe blos- Shelly Novak, complimentary champagne specials, most served in cast-iron skillets, a licensed kitchen will be added for ven- soms, and skewered grape stalks). toasts at sunset, and select cheap drinks there’s Paulaner’s classic, creamy-head- dors who want to cook on the spot. At Children’s Village Montessori for the rest of the night. There’s also ed, malty Oktoberfest-Marzen (consid- For serious décor mavens, having the School and Daycare, a weeklong book something South Beach never had, even ered throughout Germany to be the same couch as someone else would be fair sponsored by Scholastic Press, back in the day: free parking. Oktoberfest beer by which all others are akin to Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton October 13-17, will enable teachers and judged) and smooth, sweet, wheat-based showing up at the Oscars wearing the students to enrich classrooms with books Something special coming up at your Hefeweizen. Though it’s a perfect occa- same dress. But patrons of the Upper of their choice (as long as Scholastic pub- business? Send info to bizbuzz@biscayne- sion to enjoy the Haus’s biergarten, Eastside’s Casca Doce Studios, founded lishes them). How it works, according to times.com. For BT advertisers only. ADVERTISER DIRECTORY ART & CULTURE EDUCATION HEALTH & BEAUTY HOME IMPROVEMENT Karnak Blinds Junior’s Pet Grooming Ruben Matz Boutique Kitchen Pizza Fiore 305-469-8162 2500 Biscayne Blvd. 6815 Biscayne Blvd. Arts at St. Johns Children’s Village Montessori Bay Oaks Home for the Aged AAA Miami Locksmith 786-290-8815 2905 NE 2nd Ave. Page 48 305-571-1818 305-525-8816 305-756-0089 305-573-0900 786-201-7727 School and Daycare Center 435 NE 34th St. 3531 NE 2nd Ave. Page 38 Page 45 Page 12 Page 51 Page 63 650 NE 88th Terr. 305-573-4337 116 NE 1st Ave. Re: Design Studio 305-576-9320 Design District Art + Design 305-757-1236 Page 24 Architecture & Interiors Reef Evolutions Miami Spaces Buena Vista Bistro Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus 305-573-8116 Page 43 305-778-1019 786-326-5184 305-495-8712 4582 NE 2nd Ave. Page 42 305-456-5909 1085 NE 79th St. Page 11 Dental Options Page 41 Page 44 Page 47 11645 Biscayne Blvd. #204 Arco Glass & Windows Page 61 305-754-8002 Florida International University 617 NE 125th St. I.D. Art Supply 305-892-2960 Sheds and Things Rio Pet Spa Patrick McCoy & Keith Bacon Page 63 2695 Biscayne Blvd. 305-919-5700 305-891-2726 Chef Creole Page 31 786-473-2846 18170 W Dixie Hwy. Fortune International Realty 200 NW 54th St. River Oyster Bar 305-385-5586 Page 28 Page 49 Page 49 305-935-5551 Page 35 305-332-6164 305-754-222 650 S. Miami Ave. Harmony Body Waxing & Nails Page 44 Page 9 JLP Educational Services 2512 Biscayne Blvd. Avery Glass & Mirror Suds Domestic 13105 W. Dixie Hwy. 305-530-1915 MiMo Biscayne 813 NE 125th St. 305-893-4246 Page 54 Association 305-537-2682 305-576-1551 17033 S. Dixie Hwy. Smiling Pets Shops at Midtown New Page 60 Page 37 305-891-7734 305-758-6144 Page 30 Page 35 305-233-6707 305-754-0844 3401 N. Miami Ave. Page 42 Page 46 Côte Gourmet Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant Page 21 Hiperfit 305-573-3371 4029 N. Miami Ave. FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Barnett Tree Service Page 6 9999 NE 2nd Ave. Tigertail Productions 7120 Biscayne Blvd. 305-573-1819 Ascot Teak 305-538-2451 INSURANCE & LEGAL POLITICAL CANDIDATES 305-754-9012 305-324-4337 305-762-6600 Page 41 SERVICES Turnberry International Realty Page 58 Page 60 Page 7 12951 Biscayne Blvd. Page 17 Yvonne Colodny 305-632-1588 305-892-2131 Biscayne Tile & Marble Steven K. Baird Circuit Court, Group 19 Dogma Grill Soyka To Go M Power Project Page 2 7030 Biscayne Blvd. AUTOMOTIVE Page 47 880 NE 79th St. Attorney at Law Page 22 5556 NE 4th Ct. 9301 NE 6th Ave. 305-754-8170 305-759-3433 305-759-3117 305-758-7778 899 NE 125th St. Europa Car Wash and Café Beau Living 305-758-9600 Page 37 Page 25 Pedro J. Garcia RESTAURANTS & FOOD Page 57 6075 Biscayne Blvd. Page 29 Property Appraiser 305-89-DOGMA 305-754-2357 8101 Biscayne Blvd. #102 The Nabors Group 18th Street Café Page 55 305-751-1511 Dart Services Page 19 210 NE 18th St. Sushi Square Page 49 Nails Etc. 305-758-1697 954-364-7850 7244 Biscayne Blvd. Page 5 305-381-8006 Dunkin’ Donuts 5084 Biscayne Blvd. Page 22 Page 23 Gwen Margolis 305-754-3100 Karma Car Wash & Café 305-754-0316 Property Appraiser Page 58 5128 Biscayne Blvd. 7010 Biscayne Blvd. Casca Doce 305-762-6796 Page 51 305-759-1392 Page 48 Fab Interior and Exterior PETS Page 30 Ariston Page 61 6815 Biscayne Blvd. 305-751-4447 The News Lounge Page 31 Salon Gilbert 940 71st St. 305-757-6001 Page 32 4 Paws Only Stephen Millan Edible Arrangements 5582 NE 4th Ct. 3430 N. Miami Ave. Circuit Court, Group 19 Miami Beach Miami Parking Authority 1071 NE 79th St 150 SE 2nd Ave. 305-758-9932 Page 32 305-573-4288 Grout Doctor 305-756-0200 Page 24 305-864-9848 305-373-6789 305-577-6101 Page 56 Page 33 Page 43 786-5525433 Page 45 Page 59 Page 38 The Loft Sofas Harvey Ruvin Page 23 Upper Eastside Green Plaza Tire & Auto 2450 Biscayne Blvd. Shuichi Take Adam’s Veterinary Clinic Clerk of the Courts Bagels & Co. Le Café 3005 NE 2nd Ave. 786-228-8981 3301 NE 1st Ave., 7th floor Guarantee Floridian 672 NE 79th St. Page 20 11064 Biscayne Blvd. 7295 Biscayne Blvd. Market at Legion Park 305-573-3878 Page 35 305-856-4588 305-758-1811 305-757-7309 305-892-2435 305-754-6551 305-775-2166 Page 33 Page 59 Page 18 Page 13 Page 16 Page 45 REAL ESTATE Page 51 Planet Lighting CLOTHING & JEWELRY Joe Blair Garden Supply Blue Marlin Fish House Wine 69 5120 Biscayne Blvd. Studio Fit Vibe Biscayne Pet House Douglas Elliman Mike’s at Venetia 3470 East Coast Ave. #109 320 NE 79th St. 10789 Biscayne Blvd. 1691 Michigan Ave. #210 2500 NE 163rd Street 555 NE 15th St. 9th floor 6909 Biscayne Blvd. SEO’s Jewelry 305-757-5001 305-722-2889 786-623-5321 305-757-5554 305-895-6164 305-695-6300 305-957-8822 305-374-5731 305-759-0122 Page 37 Page 48 Page 25 Page 41 Page 45 Page 64 Page 62 Page 53 Page 51

8 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 9 C OMMENTARY: MIAMI’ S K ING The Three Amigos vs. the Dynamic Duo Our Congressional delegation: The good, the bad, and the useless By Jack King Congress.Org, a watchdog group that could have anything they wanted to keep wanted their cut. Any possibility that BT Contributor rates members of Congress on their Fidel Castro bottled up on the island. Dexter had some inside information? power and effectiveness. She is also What a way to treat your uncle! And the power ratings of the three f you have not been living under a ranked 24th in the House of It was all truly wonderful for them. amigos? Ros-Lehtinen does with best rock for the past year, you might Representatives, out of 435 members. They were living the life the family with a ranking of 16 out of 25 in Florida, Ihave noticed that there is an election Meek is not far behind, being ranked thought they were going to have in and 288 out of 435 in the House of campaign for President of the United fourth among the Florida delegation. Havana, only now the American govern- Representatives. Lincoln is 19th in States going on, and to say the least, it is What this means is that they actually ment is paying for it. This really is the Florida and 358th in the Congress. Mario quite contentious. Many people decry accomplish things, not just add their names American way. is at 20th and 379th. Those are some these nasty elections, but there is great to bills on which they didn’t have any The third amigo, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, powerful numbers! historical precedent. The first three input and didn’t do any work, a common came to Congress in a slightly different way. All three legislators have drawn serious United Sates elections for president practice among Congressional slackers. She, along with Lincoln Diaz-Balart, was opposition this year, and it’s about time. (George Washington twice and John The other three from South Florida born in Havana (a fact, interestingly enough, Annette Taddeo is running against Ros- Adams once) had only one candidate. turn out to be not quite as good. The that has been left off both their official Lehtinen and is hammering her on her That all changed in 1800, when Thomas three amigos — Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Websites; Mario was born in the United connection to the pharmaceuticals indus- Jefferson, Adams’s vice president, ran Mario Diaz Balart, and Ileana Ros- States) and came to Miami at an early age. try, another area where Ros-Lehtinen has against him and won. By all accounts Lehtinen — have been in Congress for She was elected to take the seat of Rep. shown poor judgment in the past. written at the time, it remains the nastiest years, yet we have little to show for it. Claude Pepper, who passed away in 1989. Former Cuban American National presidential election in American history. The Diaz-Balart boys are two peas in a Rather than being raised as a profes- Foundation director Joe Garcia is run- It might seem that this election is even pod. Their father was Rafael Diaz-Balart, sional politician, she was an educator. ning against Mario, and the way Mario is nastier, but that’s only because the a well-to-do, wheeling, dealing member She also votes the Republican Party line running his campaign, it seems he only advent of the 24/7 news cycle and the of the Cuban aristocracy. His sister, almost all the time — with one excep- wants to keep his seat so he doesn’t have Internet have our face stuck in it more Mirta, was married to Fidel Castro. The tion: gay rights, of which she is an to get a real job. than we care to admit or care to like. Go Diaz-Balart family, along with most of ardent supporter. I have never figured Lincoln has drawn the toughest opposi- vote for whomever you like. I am. the Cuban aristocracy, were big support- out where this comes from, but certainly tion in former Hialeah mayor Raul Beneath the presidential contest on our ers of Castro until the wheels fell off. something turned her head around. Martinez. This race has some odd history. ballots there would normally be a race When the family got to Florida, they took While the Diaz-Balart boys have done In the late 1980s, Dexter Lehtinen, who for a senate seat, but we are spared that up where they’d left off. Rafael became a nothing in Congress, Ros-Lehtinen has was then the acting U.S. Attorney in this year in Florida. However, we still power broker and a force to be reckoned actually tried, though she’s not been very Miami, indicted then Mayor Martinez on a have action in the five area congressional with. He taught his boys well. Lincoln and successful, unless it’s on issues that have slew of corruption charges, just as Martinez seats. Or at least some action. Mario worked their way up through local, near unanimous political support. was getting ready to run for the vacant Representatives Debbie Wasserman regional, and state government. Lincoln was She also gets her head spun around on Claude Pepper seat. Martinez eventually Schultz and Kendrick Meek, who repre- elected to Congress in 1992; Mario in 2002. a regular basis. A case in point was her beat all the charges, but his run for sent about two-thirds of the population in When they arrived in Washington, they support of the federal/state purchase of Congress was dead. Somewhere in the back Miami-Dade County, have drawn only got the surprise of their lives: Nobody cared the land south of Lake Okeechobee from of my sick-o mind, I wish Martinez were token opposition, and for good reason. that they were Cuban. In political Big Sugar to return the Everglades to running against Ros-Lehtinen this time. Both are highly regarded by their con- Washington, every Hispanic was a Mexican. something close to what it originally More than anything else, these con- stituents for their good work. They are And then came the Republican takeover was. Just about everyone thought it was tests will show us how much Miami has highly respected in Congress and are of Congress in 1994. The brothers imme- a great idea, and then along comes her grown up over the past 20 years. Your considered to be effective legislators. diately sold their souls to the Republican husband, Dexter Lehtinen, who repre- guess is a good as mine. Wasserman Schultz is listed as the top devil. They swore to vote exactly the way sents the Miccosukee Indians. He legislator in the Florida delegation by the party told them, and in exchange they stopped the deal because the Indians Feedback: [email protected]

10 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 ON SATURDAY, THE RED COUCH+ IS THE HOT SEAT.

SATURDAY / OCTOBER 11 / 7-10 PM

/ Horst Wackerbarth / The Red Couch Wolfgang Roth and Partners Fine Art are pleased to present their inaugural exhibition, Horst Wackerbarth: The Red Couch — an acclaimed series of photographs and video interviews by the German photographer. Wackerbarth has photographed and interviewed over 600 people in over 33 countries in 32 different languages. Ranging in class, race, and ethnicity from famous artists to Romanian street children, his subjects represent an unbiased cross section of humans whose faces and thoughts have been documented and exhibited — a portrait of mankind. Located at the Newton Building_ 201 N.E. 39th Street.

/ MIAMI ART MUSEUM STAFF EXHIBITION / Walking through the galleries of Miami Art Museum it is easy to sense the energy that permeates through the works of art on view. But another, less public, source of creative energy flows deep within the core of MAM. MAM’s Director Terence Riley recognized this characteristic and opened the door to an exhibit that highlights the creativity of the MAM staff. Located at the Buena Vista Building_ 180 N.E. 39 Street, Suite 120.

/ ¡QUE RICO! / In honor of Hispanic History Month... Women artists celebrate la cultura Latina. Curated by spoken word artist Deborah Magdalena and producers of SWAN Spoken Soul Showcase The Poetic Seven. Located at The Buena Vista Building_ 180 N.E. 39 Street, Suite 122.

/ e-World / e-World at Ornare is a continuing exploration by Alex Vigilante of how popular culture, including those iconic figures who never had email accounts, expresses itself through Internet-based communications. The witty articulations are at times funny, at times poignant and at times a tad on the dark side, but always entertaining. Located at the Melin Building_ 3930 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 102. ART + / PetNet presents “Doggies in the District” / DESIGN This fundraising event will raise money and awareness for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. PetNet is the next generation of Humane Society of Greater Miami supporters dedicated NIGHT to making a difference in the lives of South Florida’s companion animals. Located at 120 N.E. 40th Street. Tickets: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Call 305.579.1842 for tickets. This event is from 6p.m. – 11p.m. 2ND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH IN + Thingvellir by Horst Wackerbarth, color photograph. On view at Wolfgang Roth & Partners Fine Art_ 201 N.E. 39 Street

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 11 C OMMENTARY: WORD ON THE S TREET Who are you voting for in the presidential election and why? Compiled by Victor Barrenechea — BT Contributor

Carlos DeCastro Jason Jimenez Natallye Alzerreca Andrew Sperber Rey Diaz Matthew Minor Manager Business Owner Store Manager Sales Cook Bar Manager Upper Eastside Buena Vista East Downtown Midtown Upper Eastside Downtown Obama, because we need Basically, I’m voting for Obama, just because I I’m not voting. I feel the I’m not voting for any- Obama. We need change. someone who can provide Barack Obama because think that if we vote for vote is tainted because I one. I’ve never voted. We’ve had eight years of change for our country. after the last eight years, we McCain, it’d be like feel there are too many Being a convicted felon, I one of the least successful McCain is too old, and definitely need a change. I another Bush. Obama has uninformed voters, and I don’t think I have the administrations in we need someone with just think he’s a lot more a lot of change in mind. feel there should be a right to vote, but I never American history. Obama fresh ideas. I’m not say- progressive on the issues. He’s more concerned mandatory test in order to had any interest in doing is trying to make a better ing McCain wouldn’t He’s actually looking out about Americans. Bush be allowed to vote that it anyway. I’ve never been tomorrow. The decisions change things, he just for the people. I saw him backs up McCain on a lot into politics. I’m a work- made in the next few wouldn’t change things speak and there was a tan- of issues. It’d be another would measure people’s ing man, just struggling years are going to affect enough. The idea Obama gible feeling of hope in the sequel of the disaster that awareness on the issues. I day by day to raise a six- our children and their presents — he doesn’t room. People do believe in was the Bush administra- personally don’t feel year-old girl. The econo- children. There’s not a lot come from the old-style him. Also McCain made a tion. To me, McCain informed enough to vote. my is just bad. Prices are to be said about McCain. of politics. He’s a new very bad VP choice. She looks very fake, the same Most people vote based on up, gas is up. If I were to He’s a proven politician. kind of politician. It’s has no experience, she’s way Bush is very fake. minimal awareness of the vote, I’d maybe pick He’s a war veteran. Those going to be my first time anti-choice. The possibility politics behind each candi- McCain because of his are good qualities for a voting. I’m very excited. of her being in office if date, and my vote would military background. president, but Obama is something happens to be outweighed by theirs. Hopefully, whoever wins more for the people — McCain scares me. will make our country not just the wealthy, but stronger and better. the poor too.

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12 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 13 C OVER S TORY

FIU’s north campus: Don’t even think about having fun.

North Bayshore Park: Three years after Wilma, still wrecked. Distant Shores

Continued from page 1 would like to see schools mandate waterfront outings to familiarize local children with Biscayne Bay’s ecology. “How Miami Shores Bayfront Park: many kids as close as Overtown see the Slender, aloof, but charming. waterfront at their front door? To me, it’s just really sad.” Past the relatively new promenade that stretches from the Miami River to Bayfront Park - roughly from SE 4th Street to NE 4th Street - and the American Airlines Arena, we float by had to do was get your dredge and start Bicentennial Park’s empty, mainly making land out of water,” historian shadeless expanse. Slated for a major Arva Moore Parks says of the era. How and controversial renovation, could the public have a right to land that Bicentennial will become Museum Park, hadn’t even existed a few years earlier? home to the Miami Art Museum and the In Miami’s early days, large estates Museum of Science. Plans also call for along Brickell Avenue and northward extending a baywalk through the park, gobbled up waterfront land. Over time, levels owing to the canal and water-con- which stretches from 9th to 12th streets. most of these properties were broken up trol system. Direct discharge of sewage The only apparent activity this morning and developed as condominiums or into the bay and its tributaries continued “A huge condo.” isn’t really activity at all - someone smaller private homes. A few were deed- until the 1950s. We pause for a few minutes to appre- dozes by the water. A few steel ladders ed to the city or county as parkland, Conditions have improved markedly ciate the building’s private waterfront, scale the imposingly high seawall at long according to Parks. Even with the newly since the county created a management lined with benches, palms, and flowering intervals, but otherwise there is no way available waterfront, however, local resi- plan for the bay in the Eighties. Today the plants. No one is enjoying the view at of reaching the water. dents didn’t necessarily rush to take overall health of the bay and its seagrass this hour. But then, only Herald employ- Limited as it is, Bicentennial Park rep- advantage, Parks says. Herself a native beds is “outstanding” and people should ees are allowed there. It’s fenced off to resents a historic step forward for Miami of Miami Shores, Parks recalls thinking not think twice about swimming or fish- the public. in terms of waterfront access. Less than of Biscayne Bay as dirty. The ocean was ing, according to Susan Markley, a senior Not much farther along, we glide past 40 years ago, the area was a collection of the destination. “You wouldn’t go to the biologist with the county’s Department of Margaret Pace Park. Remodeled five old warehouses, port facilities, and a bay,” she recalls. Environmental Resources Management. years ago, the eight-acre park is a water- contaminated oil depository. In the As late as the 1960s, waterfront lots As Poston and I paddle on, he points out front gem amid the new, sparkling condo Seventies, the city carved out a water- along the Miami River and parts of the bay the Miami Herald building just north of high-rises that line N. Bayshore Drive front parcel, and began transforming it were used for parking garages. At least one the MacArthur Causeway. He helped build between 17th and 21st streets. Again, not into a 30-acre park. Before then, the trailer park occupied prime waterfront real it as a young ironworker before shipping much activity on a weekday morning, issue of waterfront access was barely a estate near 109th Street. “It’s interesting the off to Vietnam with the Marine Corps. but we spot a couple of areas where whisper in Miami thanks to geography way people viewed waterfront,” Parks says. Now a structural engineer, he has spent adventurous souls could slide a kayak and politics. “They just didn’t seem to appreciate it.” years inspecting waterfront buildings such into the water or go for a dip. During the early part of the 20th That lack of appreciation was reflect- as the Herald’s headquarters, which he’s From Pace Park, it is a while before Century, developers created the shoreline ed in Biscayne Bay itself. The bay strug- certain is headed for the wrecking ball. out of watery mangrove wilds. “All you gled for decades with fluctuating salinity “This is going to be a condo,” he predicts. Continued on page 15

14 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OVER S TORY

Morningside Park: A rare bayfront triumph for ordinary people.

Edgewater: Nearly 20 streets meet the bay, but don’t get any ideas.

Magnolia Park: Not exactly inviting at water’s edge.

Bayfront Park: Enjoyable, though contact with the water is difficult.

Distant Shores More hopeful are the occasional small hoped. Using a provision in the charter, He seems to be intoning prayers. Nearby Continued from page 14 waterfront walkways where newer build- the city commission has granted numer- is a solitary fisherman, seated on an we come upon another good water ings meet the bay. A 1979 amendment to ous waivers to the mandatory setback. upturned bucket and holding his fishing access spot. In the meantime, there are at Miami’s city charter requires that all “People feel helpless, powerless about a rod as though it were an afterthought. least a dozen dead-end streets in the 20s newly constructed buildings be sited at lot of the decisions made about the water- Urban anglers like him seem to be the and 30s that allow at least a glimpse of least 50 feet back from the water to front,” Poston says. Developers, he points most common waterfront habitués. the bay, albeit crowded by parked cars allow for public walkways. out, are generally the largest contributors Crossing under the Julia Tuttle and “No fishing, swimming, or loitering” Longtime Miami attorney and activist to local political campaigns. One of their Causeway at 36th Street, we come across signs. There’s plenty of grassy space to Dan Paul, the amendment’s champion, primary concerns is protecting their stake a few little waterfront spots in quick suc- stretch out where 28th Street meets an recalls, “The government was primi- in waterfront land. “The waterfront,” cession. There’s Stearns Park, a tiny, inlet, and another shoreline empty lot tive. They didn’t stand up and show Poston says with a nod toward the shore. dog-friendly piece of green below and between 31st and 32nd streets, both any leadership to the public in terms of “That’s where the money is.” between the causeway’s east-bound and unbuilt high-rise sites. A few condomini- preserving these places.” Since then, For some, the waterfront is also a kind west-bound lanes. Then there’s Magnolia um parking lots here and there command however, local government has not of sanctuary. At 27th Street, a man hold- priceless waterfront views. become as enlightened as Paul had ing a bible stares out on the blue expanse. Continued on page 16

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 15 C OVER S TORY

Distant Shores slip into the water for a swim. all, the preserve encompasses 69,000 been replanted with native species as Continued from page 15 A few blocks north of Legion Park is acres, or 107 square miles of submerged part of a county project, we go our sepa- Baywood Park, a shoebox-size green land. Combined with the 256-square- rate ways. Park, a somewhat grander open space space at 70th Street favored by dog- mile Biscayne National Park, it is a body In quick succession, there’s a long, nar- that features a waterfront gazebo and walkers. A seawall cancels the likelihood of water spreading more broadly than the row inlet between 83rd and 84th streets riprap in place of a seawall. Tiptoeing of getting in or out of the water. In fact, Netherlands Antilles. and another between 86th and 87th. into the water looks quite possible here, high seawalls and private homes block Colbert and Sweeney speak energeti- There’s Lake Belmar at 89th Street and but signs clearly prohibit such frivolity. access to the water from here north to cally and enthusiastically about the bay, Lake Ward at 90th Street. Two gardeners Between 40th and 50th streets is the the 79th Street Causeway. its unique attributes, all the wonders it on their haunches look up at me and private community of Bay Point. You Just past the causeway, Poston and I has to offer. Including the preserve and wave. A maid in uniform scurries from can look at the sprawling homes from decide to call it a day. As we pull up to a the national park. Biscayne Bay, they one room to another across an elegant the water, but good luck to any nonresi- seemingly abandoned dock, Poston explain, is a shallow lagoon with an house’s patio. But it’s all private property. dent trying to get past the guard gate and recalls coming to the spot when it was average depth of six to ten feet. It is car- No parks and nowhere to sit by the water anywhere close to the waterfront. Mike Gordon’s restaurant, one of the peted with seagrass beds and inhabited here. And then, all of a sudden, there is. Next up is Morningside Park, a grand area’s only bayfront eateries. Now a by more than 500 species of fish and At 94th Street a dramatic seawall rises dame of bayfront parks, stretching from lonely-looking sales center announces more than 800 bottom-dwelling (benthic) up to a green railing. This is Miami Shores 50th Terrace to 55th Terrace. The nearly plans for two 20-story condominium species, such as shrimp, crabs, sponges, Village Bayfront Park. It’s about three 40-acre park inside the historic towers called Oasis. and spiny lobsters. blocks long, a narrow but pleasant strip of Morningside neighborhood offers not On another day, I set out from Pelican Endangered creatures such as sea tur- parkland. A long-haired young man on a only a wide boat ramp but also a smaller Harbor Marina just off the 79th Street tles and manatees roam these waters. So bench is the only person using it on this ramp and floating dock for paddle craft. Causeway. My paddling partners for the do all feather of birds. The bay is a major day. Signs prohibit fishing and dog-walk- Kayak rentals are available here Friday first few hundred yards are Marsha stopover for migrating North American ing. A prominent security camera surveys through Sunday for only $5 an hour. Colbert and Pamela Sweeney, manager shorebirds, with several islands serving the scene from its perch on a tree. Another boat-ramp option is nearby at and environmental specialist respectively as important rookeries, boisterous with At the foot of 105th Street, an elderly Legion Park. It’s not so much in the park of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. the racket of different avian conversa- gentlemen is sitting on a bench at the as next to it, at the end of 64th Street, The state-protected preserve is made up tions. “People drive to the Keys to inter- mouth of the Biscayne Canal. The spot is though it is managed by the city’s parks of two separate portions of the bay, one act with species that are right here,” owned by the Shores Condominium, department. The floating docks here and to the north of Biscayne National Park Colbert says with some exasperation. at Morningside double as great ways to (our location) and one to the south. In After exploring a few islands that have Continued on page 18

16 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 17 C OVER S TORY Distant Shores University, it’s pretty bleak for seekers blighted by large-scale industrial devel- planning for waterfront access over the Continued from page 16 of the waterfront: private homes and opment. Therefore other cities’ tactics years, especially in the City of Miami. where he lives. He says doesn’t know of condos all the way — not even a dead- for reclaiming waterfront land — ease- Ever since passage of the so-called Dan anywhere for a regular Joe to get to the end street. ments from private property owners, the Paul amendment mandating a 50-foot water between the canal and Oleta State The sense of opportunity lost continues use of eminent domain, or simply mak- setback, many city officials have envi- Park. He’s half right. up to FIU, where the shoreline becomes ing cheap purchases — haven’t been sioned grand waterfront plans. Despite Past a ghostly empty marina around something altogether different. In places available to Miami. But, says Ann this, Miami 21, the massive land-use 112th Street, at the foot of the Broad sandy or rocky, in others lined with man- Breen, co-director of The Waterfront document intended as a blueprint for the Causeway at 123rd Street, is a unique lit- groves, the coast here is calm and invit- Center, a Washington-based nonprofit city’s long-term development, sets forth tle locale. It’s called North Bayshore ing. There are plenty of great waterfront educational group, there is hope for the no specific intention to increase water- William Lehman Park. Badly damaged walking trails, one of which you can Magic City. front access. during Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the reach from NE 135th Street in the Arch After all, Milwaukee managed to There are, however, separate proposals pocket park’s wooden boardwalk Creek East neighborhood, and plenty of avoid private-property issues on its river- for promenades and green spaces along remains closed, leaning precariously beautiful spots to sit and take in the view. front by building a public promenade out the water at locations such as Dinner over the water. It’s a shame, because it Low-lying areas close to the water over the Milwaukee River using stilts. Key in Coconut Grove and Bicentennial looks like a good spot to get up close abound. Unfortunately most of them are Philadelphia’s city planners got moving Park. There is also a stated goal to con- and personal with the bay. People used studded with signs prohibiting fishing, on the long-stagnant Penns’ Landing tinue downtown’s baywalk, now little to fish from it, hoping to land something swimming, and “watercraft landing.” waterfront when a University of more than a connection from the Miami big from the offshore reef. More and more cities in the U.S. and Pennsylvania group held public meetings River’s mouth to Bayfront Park, well up The rest of the park is open, and abroad are realizing the potential of their on the subject and presented a civic the river and as far north along the bay there’s even a worn-down patch of waterfronts as public resources. As of vision for redevelopment. as possible. shoreline that would be perfect as a ramp last year, New York City had about 60 “It takes leadership,” Breen says. As more people begin to appreciate the for your kayak or canoe. The park, miles of waterfront access in the plans or Miami needs political and business offi- value of the waterfront, they will owned and maintained by the City of under construction. New York law man- cials to team up with other community demand more access to it, Dan Paul North Miami, is open from sunrise to dates new buildings provide public leaders on a plan for meaningful public believes. “The public,” he notes, “has sunset and offers great views of the access to the waterfront and “view corri- access, Breen argues. “Somebody’s got been asleep from the point of view of Intracoastal Waterway and a few islands. dors” from the street. to step up to the plate,” she says. “I feel their rights.” From the Broad Causeway north to the Unlike many cities, however, Miami’s sorry for Miami. It deserves better.” campus of Florida International waterfront was never abandoned or There has been no shortage of talk and Feedback: [email protected]

18 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 19 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: LIBERTY C ITY Cuba’s Open Doors Here in Miami, we keep them locked shut By Kathy Glasgow high tables behind him were statues and BT Contributor figurines of santos and orishas, along with their favored offerings and all the er legs were painfully scabbed other objects and talismans that collect and scarred by recent surgery, on altars. Hbut last month my tough little Barbarito’s demeanor is opaque; his mother-in-law marched me down a eyes are downcast, his speech barely muddy dirt road in eastern Cuba to con- audible. His skin is the color of fresh sult Barbarito. blood mixed with dark chocolate, and Most of my husband’s huge extended there’s no gray in his hair. A smoothly family lives among the hills and moun- curved, deep scar runs from his right tains outside Santiago, in cobbled- temple to the jaw. together homes offering neither modern He’s never asked me for money, but amenities nor security from weather or his counsel has always been on target. intrusion. The full force of Hurricane Ike However, like all such small-town holy had missed us, but even as my suegra men with a reputation for expertise on and I were picking our way along a gully the astral and spiritual planes, Barbarito to Barbarito’s cavelike altar-room, the is not necessarily highly regarded by storm was laying waste to parts north smashed white sandal lying just on the clamped in the left side of her mouth, everyone in the community. A lot of peo- and west across the island. threshold appeared (only to me, I’m assured us he was around somewhere. ple, including most of my in-laws, don’t We peeked into a little shack where sure) portentous of something. My moth- By the time we reached Barbarito’s go so far as to call him a fraud but dis- two massive, hard-looking women in er-in-law, Antonia, stepped inside and grotto, he was sitting in his chair (one miss him as ineffectual. They would con- dirty Spandex were mired in a beyond- asked after Barbarito. The woman nearer of those classroom seat-and-desk com- sult him, though, if desperate. repair sofa. A crate of incongrously the door, the one with short platimum binations), waiting to receive us in green avocados sat at their feet. A hair, sagging eyes, and a fat moist cigar smoky obscurity. Arrayed on ledges and Continued on page 21

20 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: LIBERTY C ITY Doors prosecuted or punished (at least on the Venezuela, and other friendly nations. potholed highway at dusk, the countryside Continued from page 20 material plane). He died while in his 40s, Still, the plumbing problems at my verdant in the rainy season, cattle herds Several years ago Barbarito was the though, about two years ago. All of those house are nothing compared to those of restless before the approaching darkness, victim of an unusually (for Cuba) violent brothers are dead now, except one, who most Cubans. I thought my trips to the and then a country house where ordinary attack. A man from a local family, one of lives in Miami. island would eventually inure me to the people are wrapping up an ordinary day’s six or seven foul-tempered brothers, I was thinking about violence and safe- absence of running water and air condi- activities, clearly visible in the yellow walked to Barbarito’s property (I still ty, about feeling secure and fearless in tioning, the indecent sanitation, the overhead light, there for anyone on the couldn’t say exactly which little shacks one’s own home, as I rode in a bus across grime and rot of utterly dilapidated highway to observe. and patios comprise “his” property or Cuba last month. I know most of these BT dwellings, and their total lack of privacy. My first thought on seeing these bucol- who exactly lives there besides Barbarito columns from Liberty City have centered Instead I grow less accustomed. ic snapshots was a vague mental montage and his 20-something son), and during on crime and delinquency, and I don’t like Whenever I’m there, I daydream about of some old movie scenes in which an extended rampage, laid waste to to obsess on those things because I feel what paradise it must be to stay in a strangers arrive at a modest farmhouse everything in sight, including the spiri- I’m falling into the classic trap of assum- hotel and take a shower and dress with- way out on a country road and proceed to tista’s beloved santos; smashed furniture ing (and assuming everyone else assumes) out my clothes immediately sticking to murder everyone in the hard-working and dishes and walls; and sent the goats that Liberty City is nothing but a ghetto. my sweat-slicked body. I’d still be read- farm family. What an American reaction! and chickens and children fleeing. But it’s true that a community’s level of ing Granma or Juventud Rebelde with Then I thought about the house in (Barbarito’s long scar did not come from crime is a basic indicator of quality of breakfast, though, sadly aware that the Havana I’d just left, where neighbors, that incident. My mother-in-law doesn’t life, and my husband and I have been state continues to insult the intelligence friends, and family come and go, day know what caused it, and I haven’t had struggling to deal with the crime-related of the Cuban people. and night, and how the doors and win- the nerve to ask him.) decline in our own living standards. So I don’t think I have any romantic dows are rarely shut. It’s not that crime I don’t know of any reason for the When I was in Cuba, I naturally com- feelings left for Cuba, unless my profound doesn’t exist in Cuba; it’s not that people rampage other than alcohol. There are pared conditions there with those in love for the music of Paulito FG counts. aren’t conscious of crime or want to pre- probably many details nobody has the Liberty City, which superficially has But there’s something I kept noticing this vent it. But the fear and stress and off- patience to explain to me in a context I some of the same demographics (to last time — nothing new, but given the the-charts violence that we in the United could immediately understand. Barbarito begin with, a dysfunctional economy and environment of fear in which I’ve been States now consider normal and unavoid- has recovered and replaced what was majority black population). Cuba is a living the past few years, something pre- able — that doesn’t exist in Cuba. At broken. The attacker, forever afterward Third World country, and standards of cious and puzzling. It’s the open doors. least not yet. identified as the man who trashed living for the most part are low despite An image: the big tourist bus — ViaAzul Barbarito’s place, was nevertheless not touted recent investments from China, — speeding away from the sun over the Feedback: [email protected]

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 21 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: MIAMI S HORES A Country Club in Terminal Decline Jews aren’t the problem anymore — outreach is By Jen Karetnick sheer numbers. Get the majority seat, so BT Contributor to speak. I see his point. After all, the Miami n my business, the oft-repeated saw Shores Country Club is the only fully that “you can’t write what you don’t stocked bar and true liquor license in Iknow” has always been gospel to me. town (or to be technical, straddling or

I’ve mentioned the Village’s pink ele- Andrew Leins BT photo by even a mite over the Miami Shores/North phant — ye olde Miami Shores Country Miami border). I’ve never been a fan of Club — a few times in this column. But country clubs in general, but the social, as my knowledge of the place has come economic, and purely legal value of hav- anecdotally, I decided I should become ing a Village haunt where we could hang personally acquainted. out with neighbors and have a safe, short Aside from the fact that it took eight walk home (for those of us on the west years for me to set foot in the door — side) is tremendous. nothing to do with the anti-Semitic histo- My husband and I agreed to the invita- ry of the property and me being a Jew and tion. We had drinks at an attractive, everything to do with an absence of com- roomy sunken bar. But without miniature munity recruitment — it wasn’t difficult. egg roll appetizers and their attendant The first event I attended there, just a few So I took a friend up on his invitation about its pitfalls, including a lack of out- aroma floating through the room, we got weeks ago, was a bar mitzvah, a very to meet my husband and me for drinks reach and a social-member register a good idea of what it really smelled nicely handled one at that. My husband there one Friday night so I could see where the median age is about 82. But like: a pervasive undercurrent of must, and I were impressed enough with the what the place was really all about, age he sees so much possibility in this prop- mildew, and assorted adult diapers. And facilities, dressed up and on best behavior spots and all. The friend, who joined erty and thinks if we enroll, and per- what it looked like: It was dominated by as they were, that we could picture hold- about a year ago on a golf and social suade some other mutual friends to do ing Zoe’s celebration there in a few years. membership, has always been honest likewise, we can revitalize the club by Continued on page 23

22 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: MIAMI S HORES Decline feeling the income is really not enough. membership rate is reasonable enough. that exists now with the once-weekly Continued from page 22 Frankly, I was shocked by the death rattle But presently there’s no real reason to golf and tennis tournaments and seafood the longstanding Old Guard. If their you can almost hear in these rooms. And purchase one. buffet. Other than that, it’s all about glares mean anything — and I think they no, it’s not coming from the current clien- It’s not too late to reinvigorate these some high school’s senior prom and do — we “young” (read: middle-age) tele, though they will die off eventually, halls. My friend who brought us to the club someone’s wedding reception. These are whippersnappers don’t stand a chance. and from the looks of some of them, soon- is bursting with ideas to attract new mem- fine things to hold there, but they only Every Friday night is the same: They er rather than later. No, Miami Shores bers: Open the bar and dining room to fill the weekend. There are plenty more dress as if for a wedding or bar mitzvah, Country Club is a ghost property in the Shores residents once a month, following days — and opportunities for income greet each other effusively at happy hour making. But why? Doesn’t anybody the example of the Aquatic Center. That potential — to consider. while snacking on cheese cubes that involved in this venture want to prevent a keeps the so-called riffraff out, but exposes I’d begin by welcoming the whole com- have seen better methods of refrigera- terminal decline? a whole new potential membership. Send munity instead of catering to golfers and sen- tion, and then adjourn to a dining room Apparently not. Staff I questioned event calendars with coupons to new iors. I’d promote Family Nights, where par- that never fills up, let alone turns tables. about possible improvements just Shores homeowners and offer ten-percent ents could come in for happy hour and their Meanwhile at the bar, a few couples shrugged, as if they’ve heard these plans discounts on Sunday brunch as an introduc- children could watch DVDs — or go one might down a quick hamburger after a before and nothing has happened. And tion (once you’ve got them there, give them better and install a game room for teenagers. tennis game, or a drinker or two will put though my friend was enthusiastic a tour). Heck, why not send coupons to all Parents would be happy to know where their away martinis after 18 holes on the golf enough to inform a board member that homeowners within Village limits. In the kids were at night, and maybe the pre-driving course. But nowhere will you see the he’d brought in two new couples for the time I’ve lived here, I’ve never received set would actually welcome a semi-cool kind of group we comprised: making evening, the board member didn’t even any kind of mailer or invitation from the place to hang out and see their friends from merry and more than ready for some say hello, let alone try to recruit us. Miami Shores Country Club. In this age of the area. No doubt the coins would roll in. social life in the Shores. Weeknights, The Miami Shores Country Club could virtual advertisement, you’d think they’d at When I brainstorm about it, I can see you can imagine, are even less active. actually be a kind of rousing retro suc- least have an e-flyer announcing weekly how the Miami Shores Country Club I’m not saying the Miami Shores cess. In this depressive economic cli- gatherings and opportunities. If you were a might become a powerful social force for Country Club needs to turn into some kind mate, which is only going to get worse, member, you could look forward to these the Village again. But as it stands, I’m of pub just to please my friends and neigh- folks want to stay close to home and are events and plan your week around attend- not going to bother trying to change an bors. And I’m sure golf fees and banquets looking for affordable and dependable ing; if you weren’t, they might make you institution from the inside when I don’t bring in enough to keep it running at a entertainment. The Miami Shores consider becoming one. even like the way it smells. bare-bones level. But when you look clos- Country Club could provide that, if it What kind of events roster are we talk- er — even just at the carpet — you get the cared to. At $300 annually, its social ing about? Certainly livelier than the one Feedback: [email protected]

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 23 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: BELLE M EADE Hair in the Hood The Chop Shop celebrates two years on the block By Frank Rollason brilliant name for a barbershop. More BT Contributor than ten years ago, he and Amir opened the first Chop Shop, in Elizabeth, New ather than limit my monthly writ- Jersey. But things did not go very well. ing to political screeds, I’ve They were located in a ghetto neighbor- Rdecided to take an occasional hood not very conducive to survival —

detour into some of the Upper Eastside’s Andrew Leins BT photo by either for the brothers or their business. more eclectic offerings. For my first So they picked up and moved to Miami. excursion, I’ve chosen a local business Amir began working as a waiter in called Chop Shop Barbershop at 7283 local restaurants (the Forge, Monty’s, Biscayne Blvd. and the like), but he kept alive his dream The phrase “chop shop” transports me of opening another Chop Shop. Shortly to my younger days. Back in those days after Amir and Big Ed moved here, the (and still, I suppose), a chop shop was the 9/11 attacks took place in New York. name given to a place where stolen cars Amir’s mother told the boys not to come were taken in the dark of night, quite lit- back. “It is very difficult here for Arabs erally to be chopped into pieces. The “urban barbershop” that is the entrepre- establishments — a chop suey restaurant or those of Arab descent,” Amir remem- car’s body was of no consequence and neurial brainchild of brothers Amir and and a barbershop — both with partially bers her telling them: “You two stay in thus was dismantled with saws and torch- Edward Youssef. defunct neon signs. Of course, the sig- Miami and make your livelihood there.” es to glean the much-sought-after treas- Back in a galaxy far, far away — nage on the left, for the restaurant, had They took her advice and began plan- ures inside — transmissions and even known as New York City — Edward (or only the word Chop illuminated. Above ning in earnest to open their second entire engines — before the light of day. Big Ed as he is affectionately and aptly the business on the right only the word Chop Shop. It all finally came together The particular Chop Shop I’ve discov- known by locals) was cruising through a Shop was still glowing. two years ago, when the Chop Shop ered locally, however, falls into a differ- particularly seedy part of the Bronx one Big Ed pounced on the fortunate acci- made its debut on the MiMo Historic ent category altogether. It is actually an evening when he spotted two neighboring dent, deciding he’d stumbled upon a Continued on page 25

24 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: BELLE M EADE Hair eventually be lamenting whatever pop the lifestyle glorifies — picture The Fast the name, you have nothing.” Continued from page 24 culture movement takes its place. and the Furious and Tokyo Drift. “It will come in time,” Amir adds. District section of Biscayne Boulevard. Chop Shop caters to the hip-hop genera- The waiting-area chairs are actually “We have to keep things in perspective. In the beginning they had just two barber tion’s young urban men (and a few women), car seats mounted on polished aluminum We are just two young entrepreneurs chairs. They now boast eight busy chairs ages 4 to 40. Its customers are predominant- diamond plates. The walls are covered from Jersey trying to impact the market for the barbers, who sport black smocks ly black and Latino, with a sprinkling of with photos of beautiful cars and beauti- — trying to bring ‘urban’ to the main- with bright yellow Chop Shop logos. white boys — don’t forget Eminem! The ful women — sharp and snazzy, but just stream, and it can’t be rushed.” So just what is an “urban barbershop”? hip-hop look they come in for is an exercise tasteful enough that daddies can bring in Based on the observations of this good I can tell you it is different from any bar- in precision. Razor cuts around the scalp their little boys and bond with them in ‘ol Miamuh boy, the brothers are off to a bershop I’ve ever visited. By way of and beard makes the hair look like it’s been the world of hip-hop. Photos of local strong start. In fact I just might have to explanation, there’s an old country-and- applied, much like the snap-on hairpieces of clients and celebrities also grace the drop in for a “fade” or “blow out” cut, or western song by Tom T. Hall that our toy cowboys and Indians of old. There walls. Which ones? Chris Nuñez from even a “bigen” dye job one of these days. describes the secret to longevity as is a very distinct line where the forehead Miami Ink, Shannon Briggs (the heavy- Don’t believe me? Just wait and see. “faster horses, younger women, older stops and the hair begins. weight boxing champ), former Atlanta The shop is open seven days. For more whiskey, and more money.” You don’t really get this type of look Falcon Andre Rison, Sticky Fingaz of information visit www.chopshopbarber- Well, you could say Chop Shop at your average mainstream barbershop, the rap group Onyx (don’t tell me you shop.com or call 305-756-8102. Barbershop is built around a lifestyle which usually caters to people like me, haven’t heard of Sticky Fingaz!), and that’s about faster and sleeker cars, beau- who just want to get a quick a haircut many other TV personalities. Crime Update tiful women, parties, rap music, and of and get on with our day. We’re really not So just how does he market his baby? You may recall my June column about course, more money. looking for a hairstyle to make any state- First, he never forgets the clients and seeing a burglar carrying a large saw on Put another way, hip-hop is the rock ment except, “We keep ourselves always shows respect. “Of course, we his shoulder and following him out of and roll of the current generation. groomed and presentable.” But the urban are here to make money,” Amir notes, Belle Meade (“A Week in the Life”). Remember how our parents charged that hairstyle says, “Here I am. Deal with it!” “but you do that through respecting your After the property owner he’d victimized the rock-and-roll culture, spawned dur- And Chop Shop, straight down to its client, and that brings them back.” and I spent a year going to court about ing the time of Elvis and the Beatles, décor, is one of the places filling the Ultimately he and Big Ed would like to his case, the culprit recently accepted a would be the ruin of our generation? I demand of that market. create a Chop Shop franchise, but that’s plea deal for seven years in prison. It hope we learned from those fallacies and Not unlike the set of a rap video, not so easy. Amir explains that although was worth the effort! can be more tolerant of today’s younger everything in Chop Shop is sleek and several celebs have offered him money set. After all, the hip-hop generation will bright, just like the cars and motorcycles for the name and the look, “once you sell Feedback: [email protected]

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 25 C OMMUNITY N EWS The Boulevard Is Back! Construction nightmares are but a memory, though not everyone is smiling By Erin Polla thousands of drivers and inflicted serious simply could not tolerate the congestion, The last phase of the project took BT Intern damage on many Boulevard businesses, found alternative routes, and have stuck place within Miami city limits, from officially concluded on Tuesday, July 1. with them. 87th Street southward. People engaged he bulldozers are gone. The Now we have the landscapers, cutting Surely you remember why. Driving with that stretch of the Boulevard — asphalt has been steamrolled. The holes in sidewalks and planting trees, practically anywhere along the whether drivers or bus riders or business Tdust has settled. And Biscayne applying nature’s balm to help heal the Boulevard was often a nightmarish expe- owners — suffered the longest. With that Boulevard, after four years and $45 mil- wounds. That work is scheduled to be rience — accelerating briefly, braking in mind, and with a guarded sense opti- lion worth of reconstruction, has its finished in December. The wounds, how- suddenly, inching along in bumper-to- mism, the BT sought to conduct an game on — smooth and wide and flow- ever, will linger. Those business owners bumper traffic. Multiple sections were unscientific survey. We attempted to con- ing freely. According to the Florida who managed to survive the construction narrowed to one lane each way, some- tact as many businesses as possible along Department of Transportation, the mas- (an unknown number of them did not) times for weeks. And at one point, con- the Boulevard between 87th and 14th sive project, which aggravated countless still must reckon with commuters who struction was taking place simultaneous- streets, record their names and phone ly at various points from 104th Street all numbers, and as time permitted, ask this the way down to 37th Street. Continued on page 27

87th Street

79th Street

69th Street

82nd Street 12 76th Street 58 14 39 4344 56 11131516 3638 41 46 48 57 67 757779 85 9597 102 104 114 35 40 45 47 55 70 90 116 37 42 53 59 66 747678 84 86 89 919496 98 101 103 105 115 117 2 4 6 8 10 19 2123 25 31 1 17 2729 33 61 8183 3 5 7 9 18 20 2224 26 283032 34 4950 51 52 54 63 68 7173 87 93 107 606264 69 72 8082 88 92 100 109 111 113 118 65 106 108 110 112 119 120 122 121

123 125 126 124 127 62nd Street Street 62nd 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136

1. El Q-Bano Latin Café, 305-758-2550 34. Payless Shoe Source, 305-751-5870 67. Royal Motel, 305-754-7901 Street 54th 2. Michel Contessa Antiques and More, 305-761-5243 35. Beau Living, 305-751-1511 68. SmilingPets.net, 305-754-0844 3. Arts and Antiques, 305-528-7007 36. Wireless Connections and More, 305-758-7135 69. Open Doors, 305-751-1022 4. Mercato D’Epoca, 305-305-9443 37. China Palace Restaurant, 305-751-6688 70. Transit Shop, 305-754-2866 5. Artistic Antiques, 305-751-5222 38. Spyro Sushi and Thai, 305-758-0516 71. Divine Trash, 305-751-1973 6. Deco Dreams, 305-975-8156 39. State Discount Insurance, 305-759-2193 72. Sushi Square, 305-757-2111 100. BP Gasoline, 305-754-2522 128. The Honey Tree, 305-759-1696 7. Gustavo Olivieri Antiques, 631-537-2811 40. USA Nails, 305-757-6698 73. Moshi Moshi, 786-220-9404 101. Starbucks, 305-758-1619 129. Canela Café, 305-756-3930 8. Big Daddy’s Liquors, 305-757-1917 41. Check Cashing, 305-758-8526 74. Le Café, 305-754-6551 102. Subway, 305-758-7990 130. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, 305-762-6796 9. Miami Subs Quickway, 305-757-0730 42. Café Chin Fung, 305-758-5414 75. Meduhr Body Waxing and Nails, 305-758-5750 103. Casca Doce Studio, 305-757-6001 131. Kim’s Valet Cleaners, 305-758-7405 10. Laundry Partners, 305-759-3990 43. Fast Jewelry #2, 305-754-5042 76. Wrapstars, 305-756-5755 104. ABB Body Waxing, 305-756-7794 132. Planet Lighting, 305-757-5001 11. Estrella Insurance, 305-757-5900 44. 79 Café, 786-991-3304 77. Chop Shop Barber Shop, 305-756-8102 105. The Boutique Kitchen, 305-756-0084 133. In Motion Dance Center, 305-751-2229 12. Shorecrest Dry Cleaners, 305-751-5828 45. Elida-Elitu Fotos y Formularios, 305-759-0059 78. Quiznos, 305-754-2400 106. Biscayne Inn, 786-235-2300 134. Bhoom Shanti Fashion and Décor, 305-758-8282 13. Sweetcakes, 305-333-5894 46. Wendy’s, 305-576-4488 79. Che Sopranos, 305-754-8282 107. Kingdom, 305-757-0074 135. Glo, 305-758-2727 14. Studio Blue Bamboo, 305-762-4044 47. CITGO Gas, 305-754-5031 80. King Motel, 305-757-2674 108. VN Nails, 305-757-1597 136. World Wide Photo, 305-756-1744 15. Ralph Choeff Architect, 305-892-6262 48. Advanced Auto Parts, 305-757-2220 81. Camelot Inn, 305-751-3877 109. Smile Mobile, 305-960-7380 137. Motel Best Value Inn, 305-751-8696 16. Dr. Lynn Labrousse Chiropractor, 305-757-5117 49. The Boulevard Theater, 305-756-0121 82. Hiperfit, 305-762-3999 110. Rio’s Flowers, 305-751-0993 138. Bayside Motor Inn, 305-754-4581 17. M.A.D.E. Miami Antiques and Design Expo, 305-757-2044 50. Red Light Regional Dining, 305-757-7773 83. Moonchine, 305-759-3999 111. New World Health Centers, 305-754-8966 139. Bank of America, 305-576-4200 18. Don Bailey Floors, 866-721-7171 51. Motel Blu, 305-757-8451 84. DP Printing Signs and Copies, 305-757-2282 112. Mercy Supermarket, 305-759-7737 140. Publix, 305-573-8601 19. Cartronics, 305-751-5598 52. Center of Art, 305-490-4551 85. Jimmy’s East Side Dinner, 305-754-3692 113. Davis Motel, 305-759-5823 141. CVS, 305-576-4347 20. East Side Chiropractic, 305-403-2595 53. Gourmet Station, 305-762-7229 86. Eastern Video, 305-759-7111 114. Julian Chang, 305-751-8900 142. Wachovia, 305-573-0399 21. Surprise Barber and Beauty Salon, 305-754-0205 54. No Fear Computer Sales and Repairs, 305-759-5146 87. Dogma Grill, 305-759-3433 115. Rebel, 305-758-2369 143. Luna Café, 305-573-5862 22. Gifts and Occasions, 786-312-6867 55. Broadway Art and Framing, 305-754-1773 88. Karma Car Wash and Café, 305-759-1392 116. Underdog Denim Boutique, 305-756-5151 144. Art By God, 305-573-0161 23. D & F Tax Multi Services, 786-472-5537 56. Class One Barbershop and Beauty Salon, 305-758-0823 89. Rapunzel Salon, 305-756-3909 117. Freckles, 305-754-0570 145. Denny’s, 305-573-8901 24. Pineapple Blossom Tea Room, 305-754-8382 57. Lambda Passages, 305-754-6900 90. Jamboree Lounge [Marcy: no phone] 118. Motel South Pacific, 305-756-0105 146. Shell Gasoline, 305-576-7172 25. Monique Fashions Boutique, 786-663-8875 58. Galata Towers Shop 2, 305-759-8470 91. Casa Toscana, 305-758-3353 119. Sinbad Motel, 305-751-3110 147. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, 305-576-5832 26. Unisex Beauty Salon, 305-751-5003 59. Ver Daddy’s Taco Shop, 305-303-9755 92. Tyler Galleries, 305-759-4242 120. Cleanway Cleaners, 305-756-8226 148. McDonalds, 305-573-6064 27. Classy Dry Cleaners, 305-754-6300 60. Royal Budget Motel, 305-754-7901 93. Uva 69, 305-754-9022 121. Morningside Liquors, 305-754-2221 149. Pollo Tropical, 305-572-9844 28. Youth Expressions, 305-758-3831 61. Metro Force Security, 305-759-1010 94. Saturn Motel, 305-757-8891 122. Europa Car Wash and Café, 305-754-2357 150. Wendy’s, 305-576-4488 29. Fairwind Sunglasses, 305-758-0057 62. Oyuki Clothing Boutique, 305-722-0672 95. Michy’s, 305-759-2001 123. Leo’s Touch Hand Car Wash, 305-751-7906 151. Regions Bank, 305-576-2984 30. Jiffy Lube, 305-758-1101 63. Mr. B Custom Tailor, 305-758-4180 96. Hiho Batik, 305-754-8890 124. Andiamo Pizza, 305-762-5751 152. Bays Inn Midtown, 305-572-9550 31. Biscayne Tire and Auto, 305-759-0925 64. Maude Beauty Salon, 305-758-3935 97. Wine 69, 305-759-0122 125. Burger King, 305-751-3130 153. Midtown Inn, 305-573-7700 32. Bistro 82, 305-403-2995 65. Rafiul Food Store and Beauty Supply, 305-756-3000 98. Una Luna Boutique, 305-758-1771 126. Chandi Liquors, 305-751-5775 154. Walgreens, 305-573-0130 33. McDonalds, 305-756-0400 66. Yao Animal Hospital, 305-751-8552 99. Soma Day Spa, 305-757-7662 127. To Go Sushi, 305-759-0914 155. Sun Inn Chinese, 305-576-1728

26 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OMMUNITY N EWS

Boulevard employee Mohammed Faruque, pointing open-air restaurant “did all right during “More people come in now,” he says.

Continued from page 26 to a black-and-orange sign on the front the construction, but business has picked “They are coming back. It’s only a little, of the building announcing that the store up tremendously.” but it’s an increase.” question: Three months after the end of is for sale. Stacey Robinson of Karma Car Wash Though it may seem counterintuitive, roadway construction, how’s it going? Jino Dwe of Cartronics (8250 and Café (7010 Biscayne Blvd.) points some businesses actually did better during We didn’t include businesses operating in Biscayne Blvd.) says the construction out that not only are they doing “won- the chaos of construction. As Yani Yuhara, office buildings, and it’s possible we missed chased away customers and ruined his derfully,” another upside to the end of part-owner of the Japanese restaurant a few others. If you think your business business. “They are not coming to construction is the beginning of social Moshi Moshi (7232 Biscayne Blvd.), should have been included with the map Biscayne anymore,” he laments. “It cohesion. “The community has grown,” explains, “The completion of the con- and listings below, please drop us a line. killed all of us.” she says, “and now they’re coming struction is a double-edged sword. Traffic Convenience stores and similar small A clerk at Fast Jewelry #2 (7917 together more.” is moving smoothly, but people are just businesses report severe damage during Biscayne Blvd.), who wishes to remain Make that literally as well as figura- passing us now. At least with the slower construction, and unfortunately not much anonymous, boils over with frustration: tively. Today you can walk up and down traffic, people could see us and our sign.” has changed since it ended. Amil Rahmn, “Things are extremely slow. Nothing has the Boulevard without dodging heavy Rick Dagostno of Underdog Denim of Mercy Supermarket (6600 Biscayne changed since the construction ended. equipment or twisting an ankle. And Boutique (6665 Biscayne Blvd.) agrees. Blvd.), says, “We’re dying and can’t It’s still dirty, there are still bums, and while there appears to be much more “Now that it’s done,” he says, “it’s a even pay our rent.” A nearby bodega, there is still crime.” window-shopping, it isn’t always trans- freeway. Cars are just zooming by.” Rafiul Foodstore and Beauty Supply High expectations of booming busi- lating into sales. Says Carl Masello of Over at Moonchine, the Thai- (7400 Biscayne Blvd.), echoes that grim ness along a post-construction Boulevard Miami Antique and Design Expo (8330 Vietnamese restaurant (7100 Biscayne assessment. “It’s been three or four have been met for some. Kenny Beck of Biscayne Blvd.): “Things are not really Blvd.), Preedaporn Satiraprapkul sums it months and still nothing. No one even Broadway Art and Framing (7551 that great. More people come in, but they up as she gazes out her floor-to-ceiling came in for the ‘For Sale’ sign,” says Biscayne Blvd.) says he just had “the are not necessarily buying.” windows. “Look,” she says with a sigh. best summer in ten years.” Bartender Michel Contessa, owner of Michel “Everyone is passing us.” Kendall Larned of Kingdom (6708 Contessa Antiques and More (8650 Biscayne Blvd.) notes that the popular Biscayne Blvd.) sees the same phenomenon. Feedback: [email protected]

N S

W 137 138 6 139 140 144 141 146 147 155 157 159 161 169 184 186 188 142 143 148 149 150 154 156 165 167 190 204 206 158 160 162 164 168 170 177 185 187 196 201 208 189 195 203 205 207 145 218 221 222 151 153 163 172174 178 181 193 199 152 166 171 176 183 191 194 197 200 202 210 212 214 173 175 179180 182 192 198 209 211 216 217 219 220

213 215 223 224 225 36th Street Street 36th 20th Street 20th Street 29th Street 29th Street

15th Street

156. Pronto Supermarket, 305-573-3831 172. Harmony Body Waxing and Nails, 305-576-1551 186. Tip Top Cash Checking, 305-573-9820 201. Staples, 305-573-1680 214. Sake Room Sushi Lounge 157. Boulevard Liquors, 305-573-4974 173. Long Live Rock & Other Obsessions, 305-200-3612 187. Le Paris Beauty Salon and Spa, 202. Bacardi, 305-573-8511 305-755-0122 158. Starbucks, 305-576-1379 174. Shirley Pear Lingerie Boutique, 305-572-1326 305-573-6139 203. Court Furniture Rentals, 305-576-0660 215. Milan Kitchens, 305-372-9030 159. Nativo Design, 305-573-1011 175. Creative Office Solutions, 305-407-8907 188. Omni Business Services, 305-576-7755 204. OXXO Cleaners, 305-933-9915 216. Downtown Divas, 305-808-9588 160. Max Muscle, 305-395-7794 176. Junior’s Pet Grooming, 305-571-1818 189. Metro PCS and Vigo [Marcy: no phone] 205. The Daily Creative Food Company, 217. Herval Furniture, 305-377-1221 161. Kore, 305-573-8211 177. Latin Café 2000, 305-576-3838 190. K and S Dry Cleaners, 305-571-1919 305-573-4535 218. Abrams Fabric, 305-379-8997 162. Sabor a Peru, 305-573-9637 178. Mario the Baker, 305-438-0228 191. Public Storage, 305-573-8266 206. Salad Creations, 305-576-5333 219. Burger King, 305-379-0468 163. Sunbelt Rentals, 305-572-9980 179. Personal Touch Valet Cleaners and Tailors, 192. Subway, 305-571-9088 207. Paul Anthony Salon and Day Spa, 220. Checkers, 305-579-2117 164. Service Center, 305-572-0090 305-438-0008 193. Stoai Outdoor Concepts, 305-573-1117 305-571-7277 221. Marriott Hotel, 305-374-3900 165. Subway, 305-576-5099 180. T.O. Cutz Barbershop, 305-572-0606 194. La Provence French Bakery, 305-576-8002 208. Citibank, 305-577-3097 222. Miami International University of 166. Granite Transformations, 786-497-3003 181. Minuteman Press, 305-571-0377 195. Sounds Good Stereo, 305-576-4665 209. Synergy Wellness, 305-371-5775 Art & Design, 305-428-5700 167. Papa John’s, 305-576-7272 182. The Loft Sofas, 786-228-8981 196. Maino Churrascaría, 305-571-9044 210. The Scoot, Skate, and Bike Company, 223. Oriental Rug Co., 305-374-3976 168. Money Gram, 1-800-926-9400 183. Kom Furniture and Accessories, 305-576-4566 197. Braman Motors, 886-821-5416 305-358-7004 224. Concert Association of Florida 169. I.D. Art Supply, 305-576-5222 184. L and R Grocery, 305-576-6309 198. Par Invest Private Mortgages, 305-571-9666 211. Body Temple Day Spa, 305-371-0029 305-808-7446 170. Luigi Hair Styles, 305-571-7279 185. Sumba Graphic Design and Printing, 199. Bengal Modern Indian Cuisine, 786-683-5382 212. Pet Place, 305-372-2433 225. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 171. Delicias Peruanas Restaurant, 305-573-4634 786-282-8510 200. National Eagle Bank, 305-576-1957 213. Bin No. 18, 786-235-7575 305-949-6722

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 27 C OMMUNITY N EWS Further Adventures of the Boulevard’s Big Man Eric Silverman and his Vagabond Motel may soon be in the market business By Terence Cantarella Boulevard from NE To qualify for an open-air market, a BT Contributor 51st Street to NE 77th property must measure at least 15,000 Street. The proposed square feet. Very few properties in the des- arket reports have dominated district, which now ignated area are that large. Exactly how the headlines for months now. must be ratified by the many remains unclear — maybe three, Bad debts, rising inflation, city commission, maybe four. But one man whose property M BT photo by Silvia Ros housing bubbles, and government would allow qualifying does qualify, and who plans to take full bailouts have become topics of conversa- property owners to advantage of the new law when it takes tion for even the most financially illiter- operate outdoor mar- effect, is Eric Silverman. His historic ate among us. But along the Biscayne kets in front of their Vagabond Motel at 7301 Biscayne Blvd. is Corridor, there’s been market talk of a businesses on considered the premier property along the different sort — talk that has more to do Saturdays and Sundays Boulevard’s Upper Eastside, and he is fer- with orchids, honeydews, and organic from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 vently working toward opening an outdoor vegetables than mortgages or Wall Street. p.m. Until recently, a weekend market in his large front parking We’re speaking, of course, about farm- temporary special- September 4 community meeting: Eric Silverman lot by Saturday, November 1. ers markets. events permit was persuaded almost everyone. Silverman expects that other business- On September 17, in a 6-2 decision, required for such activity, and it had to Boulevard businesses, while also taking a es eventually will set up shop indoors at the Miami Planning and Advisory Board be renewed weekly. step toward creating a more pedestrian- the Vagabond. A vintage store, a fish (PAB) approved the creation of a special The new ordinance aims to bring more friendly environment, similar to neighbor- “Market District” along Biscayne visitors and much-needed revenue to hoods in other U.S. and European cities. Continued on page 30 Market Rebounds! No, not Wall Street — the Upper Eastside’s very own green version

By Nina Korman Surfside and Palmetto items. (The number of vendors will total Special to BT Bay. 50, up from last season’s 30.) Reopening on Ironically, a new “market district” egion Park is the best market Saturday, October 25, along Biscayne Boulevard, recently I’ve ever done. The communi- the Upper Eastside endorsed by Miami’s Planning Advisory ty’s reception has just been phe- incarnation promises to Board to help Vagabond Motel owner “L Photo by Bill Mathisen nomenal,” says Claire Tomlin of the Upper be better than ever. Its Eric Silverman establish his own outdoor Eastside Green Market, which after years new name, the Upper market, has inadvertently bolstered of anticipation began this past January and Eastside Marketplace, Tomlin’s business. Hence the inclusion of took a brief hiatus over the summer. will reflect the addition previously excluded arts-and-crafts items. Tomlin should know. For more than a of vendors offering A few activists from nearby neighbor- decade she has produced green markets juried, handmade arts hoods have expressed concern that the in South Florida — on Lincoln Road, in and crafts along with two markets might cancel each other out. Normandy Isle, in Aventura Mall, and on those returning to sell Tomlin, however, is not worried about the Fort Lauderdale’s Los Olas Boulevard. Claire Tomlin with supporter Commissioner Marc fresh produce, plants, Sarnoff: More vendors, more products. This year she will add new ones in and specialty food Continued on page 30

28 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OMMUNITY N EWS The High Cost of Pumping Gas A popular service station attracts a police chief’s wife and crooks too By Erik Bojnansky Special to BT

he Sunoco gas station on the corner of N. Miami Avenue and 54th TStreet is in the news again. BT

readers may recall its last mention in Andrew Leins BT photo by these pages. That was back in May, when we recounted the harrowing story of attorney Abbie Cuellar and her encounter with thugs who leaped from their car and began shooting at her as she drove up NE 4th Court (“Perception vs. Reality”). Cuellar had just left the Sunoco station, and some observers speculated that she may have been tar- Sunday. While she was preoccupied with attention of CBS 4 geted while buying gas there. her gas transaction, facing the pump, she reporter and com- Such speculation was based on the sta- didn’t notice that a Nissan Maxima had mentator Jim tion’s reputation as a hot spot for crime. pulled up alongside her car, maybe 15 DeFede, a former “That’s a hub of activity,” says Miami feet away. Apparently she also didn’t Herald columnist. Police Maj. David Magnusson, who until notice that her front passenger door was His resulting story, recently commanded the department’s unlocked, a fact that did not escape the “A Tale of Two North District. “This gas station is very attention of Nissan’s occupants. Thefts: Why It’s big, clean, and centrally located — [and] The Sunoco station’s surveillance video Good to Be the bad people go where people park.” That camera caught it on tape: A young man, a Chief’s Wife,” com- reputation has been reinforced several passenger in the Nissan, steps out of the pared police times recently, most notably on car, crouches down low, and takes five response to the September 7. That’s when Noreen quick steps over to Timoney’s vehicle. He Timoney crime and Timoney, wife of Miami Police Chief then smoothly opens the passenger door, to a similar incident John Timoney, was robbed. reaches in and grabs her purse from the that took place not far Police report: The contents of Noreen Timoney’s Because the station and its commercial front seat, closes the door, and scurries away, at the discount stolen purse. plaza are big and busy, some people back to the Nissan. He jumps in and the gas station on become complacent and let down their car takes off. Timoney saw none of this, Biscayne Boulevard at 54th Street. thieves smashed her car window, guard. “You feel you are safer,” and didn’t even realize until minutes later Once Timoney realized she’d been grabbed her purse, and sped off. Magnusson says. That can result in peo- that her purse was missing. Her loss in robbed, it didn’t take long for police to According to DeFede’s report, the police ple neglecting to take basic precautions, cash, jewelry, credit cards, and other show up in force — six patrol cars, bur- who responded wouldn’t even dust for like locking car doors. A thief can items was estimated at more than $2700. glary-unit detectives, and a crime-scene fingerprints, though a handprint was pounce and swipe a car’s valuables with- The incident wasn’t reported by the technician. The victim on Biscayne clearly visible. “The disparate treatment in seconds, especially, Magnusson adds, Miami Herald until six days later, and Boulevard parked her 2008 Mercedes at between how the police handled the two if they’re good at it. then it was only a brief item with no a pump, locked her doors, and went identical incidents raises questions as to Noreen Timoney pulled her Lexus into reporter’s byline, buried inside the local inside to prepay for gas. During those the station at about 9:30 a.m. on that section. But it certainly caught the brief moments, and in broad daylight, Continued on page 31

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 29 C OMMUNITY N EWS

Adventures “That’s the drive-home side,” he reasons. transform the MiMo Historic District, the Teri D’Amico, a local interior designer

Continued from page 28 “So the opportunity is there.” strip of Biscayne Boulevard from NE who shares credit for coining the term Silverman was the leading proponent 50th Street to NE 77th Street known for “MiMo,” voiced her objections at the market, bookstore, coffee shop, and of the Market District, and as the only its midcentury motels designed in the September 4 community meeting, taking artists’ spaces are just some of the enter- property owner with concrete plans for unique, modernistic style known as many residents by surprise with the prises he imagines in his revived venue an outdoor market, his motel has been a Miami Modern (MiMo). intensity of her opposition. “This is not a (see BT’s September cover story, “Big major focus at public meetings. The over- Some local preservationists and home- good thing for the neighborhood,” she Man on the Boulevard”). Silverman’s whelming majority of neighboring busi- owners associations haven’t been so eas- insisted. Her fear was that the area will ultimate goal is to create a bustling gath- nesses and residents support Silverman’s ily sold on the idea. Among their con- become something akin to a flea market ering place, complete with indoor retail, plan, as evidenced by a petition he circu- cerns are traffic, sanitation, and a fear or junk bazaar. the outdoor market, a swimming pool, lated, as well as a show of hands at that an outdoor market would provide That issue was addressed at the and even a pool bar. The Vagabond, he recent meetings of the MiMo Biscayne Silverman and other owners of historic September 17 PAB meeting. Discussion claims, holds the only full liquor license Association and a September 4 communi- properties with a convenient way to mainly centered on enforcement of the on the east side of the Boulevard from ty meeting at Legion Park. Some locals avoid costly restoration work, generating Continued on page 31 downtown to at least NE 132nd Street. have even billed him a visionary set to income instead from open-air markets.

Market ready by November. “I couldn’t be hap- Legion Post #29, where would-be ven- invited to don costumes for a Halloween Continued from page 28 pier,” she says. (Full disclosure: dors can rent space, whip up their home- parade, then participate in a judged cos- Biscayne Times is a market sponsor.) made creations, then peddle them at the tume contest and bob for apples. imminent competition to the north at the While hard economic times are bad for marketplace. Afterward parents can enjoy an organic- Vagabond, graciously saying, “It’s a pret- most people, Tomlin notes they are oddly Quality vendors are important, but food presentation. ty property and I just wish him the best.” favorable for market producers. Potential ultimately Tomlin understands a lovely “It has proven to be a real community Broadening the focus of her market, vendors hoping to raise extra cash have setting in Legion Park can’t be beat. happening,” Tomlin says of the market. “It Tomlin says she’ll be responding to the inundated her with phone calls. But folks “Families really enjoy coming to the becomes like a town square.” Neighbors public’s desire for organic goods, having wanting to make and sell grandma’s park,” she notes. Catering to them, she can mingle, shop, and enjoy the outdoors formed an alliance with a South Florida banana bread can’t legally produce it out has planned concurrent events, such as every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 farm growing four acres of organic pro- of their own home kitchen. So Tomlin horticultural lectures and cooking p.m. through the middle of May. duce. Eggplant will be harvested in late has made arrangements with a fully demonstrations by Boulevard chefs. On October. Tomatoes and squash will be licensed kitchen at the nearby American opening morning this month, kids are Feedback: [email protected]

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30 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OMMUNITY N EWS Sunoco call quickly realized there was a pattern, located within the Sunoco plaza, believes incidents are rare. He argues this point Continued from page 29 Magnusson says: “By the third time, we far more than four break-ins have taken inside his bustling convenience store, as whether Timoney’s wife received prefer- realized something was going on.” place at the station. “It’s probably more he steps behind a transparent wall of ential treatment,” DeFede said in his Between the Sunoco’s surveillance tape like four a month,” he says. Malik likes thick glass that protects the cash register. September 17 report. and other descriptions provided by wit- his business location because there’s lots But an eavesdropping customer flatly Major Magnusson, who now oversees nesses, a suspect was in custody within of foot traffic, but he fears it’s only a contradicts him as she leaves the store. the police department’s communications hours. He is 18-year-old Alvens Loriston. matter of time before someone tries to “The whole area is crime!” she says division, insists the differing responses Since this past January, Magnuson rob his store — unless the landlord loudly. “There’s nothing here but crime!” had nothing to do with Noreen Timoney notes, there have been four car break-ins makes the plaza safer. “You need 24- Responding with a smile, Khaw says, being the chief’s wife, but everything to at the Sunoco station, as well as one bat- hour security,” he warns, “because you “She is telling you, subtly, that you do with her being the third victim in a tery and one assault in which a police never know what can happen.” should leave before you get robbed.” series of car burglaries at nearby gas sta- officer was injured. Dawan Malik, owner Sunoco station manager Atiq Khaw tions. Officers responding to Timoney’s of Trendsetters clothing store, which is insists the plaza is safe and that serious Feedback: [email protected]

Adventures hopefuls must obtain a Class 2 Special there weren’t enough limitations in the board member Janice Tarbert, speaking of Permit, issued by the city’s planning ordinance and warned that good intentions the Upper Eastside generally. “You’re Continued from page 30 department. Among other things, the per- sometimes go awry. Nina West, another going to be enormously successful.” terms of the proposed new law, which mit requires any applicant to provide a board member, believed a review period Tarbert just may be right. The contains lots of specifics. For example, detailed business plan. “We work closely should be included in the ordinance. The Biscayne Corridor lacks a focal point the markets are limited to the sale of with the NET office to help us get feed- proposal passed 6-2, and then was amend- similar to Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road handmade crafts, fresh fruits and vegeta- back,” explained Assistant Planning ed to include a review after four years. or Coconut Grove’s CocoWalk, an oft- bles, prepared raw foods, and drinks Director Carmen Sanchez. “We issue the Arva Moore Parks, the PAB chair- heard lamentation from residents. The derived from fresh fruits and vegetables. Class 2 permit. If they [property owners] woman and respected Miami historian, Vagabond market project may prove to No outdoor market may be located closer don’t behave, we’ll get the complaint concluded the meeting on a positive be a testing ground for what could than 1500 feet to another outdoor mar- and we’ll refer it to the enforcement note. “I hope in four years we’ll have a become a very popular idea. ket, and display areas can only be along department.” If owners fail to comply, totally revived MiMo District and no one Now, if we could only do something the Biscayne Boulevard frontage and 25 the permit is revoked and the market is will want to waste time with this,” she about those financial markets. feet from any residential property. instantly out of business. said of the review provision. The ordinance also states that market Board member Betty Gutierrez still felt “You have the best people there,” noted Feedback: [email protected]

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 31 P OLICE R EPORTS Biscayne Crime Beat Compiled by Derek McCann Benefits of Raising glass door busted open. He had experienced a similar incident at another loca- Children — The Palin tion. Speaking with a neighborhood Effect? denizen one day, the doctor learned of a 6400 Block of NE 2nd Avenue possible suspect. Police were called and Victim was living with a new boyfriend for approached the suspect, who was hang- more than a year. He was on the rebound ing out at a convenience store. They after a bitter divorce. One night the ex-wife brought him downtown for voluntary fin- entered the home through the unlocked gerprint and DNA samples. DNA found front door and started an argument with the on glass shards from the broken door girlfriend. The boyfriend heard the com- matched the man’s DNA. He was arrest- motion and came out of the shower, naked. ed, though he wouldn’t admit to the Seeing the old goods, the ex-wife attacked break-in. He did, however, did offer that the girlfriend, punching and slapping her he’d helped to move furniture two years before the ex-husband pulled her away. earlier which may explain the DNA sam- The identity of the former wife has been ples. At least this worked for O.J. confirmed, but at press time charges have empty owing to construction. Residing in garbage disposals and 20 kitchen sinks. not been filed. Victim is concerned because Love in the Time the ex-wife “has small children.” such exclusiveness, and supervising the He continues keeping the list. property, the man was a constant victim of Pepper Spray of theft. He stopped calling police after 300 Block NE 82nd Street The Long and he was allegedly told by one of Miami’s If It Fits, You Must Convict A woman had broken up with her 7900 NE 2nd Ave. Winding List finest: “Stop calling after every robbery!” boyfriend five months earlier, but now Doctor had secured his practice at four in 900 Block of Biscayne Boulevard However, he methodically compiled over he was calling from Broward, where, he Man was living large in a 512-unit build- two months a record of stolen items. The the afternoon, but when he returned the ing where all but 12 of the apartments are list included, among other things, 20 following day at 9:00 a.m., he found his Continued on page 33

32 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 P OLICE R EPORTS Crime Beat instance, the object of interest was a ment he has patronized on a regular basis Continued from page 32 Slipped a Miami Mickey? computer, not to steal but to use. The and asked to see a particular Rolex 900 Block NE 2nd Avenue said, he’d been in a fight. He needed a victim arrived home and noticed an unfa- watch. His wife was waiting outside in A man had been at a popular nightspot and place to crash. The ex-girlfriend refused. miliar odor in the air. Her computer was the car, so he asked if he could show it claimed he had only one drink. Hours later According to the police report, “She turned off, though she had left it on. to her before he made his purchase. The have a new boyfriend now and do not he awoke from some kind of blackout and When she booted up, strange e-mails and store owner comfortably agreed since want him to come over.” (It’s unclear if found himself at the intersection of Miami passwords appeared on the screen. The this was a customer he knew, a customer the officer was attempting to capture the Avenue and 20th Street. His money, not intruder, it seems, had used her home as who had pumped much money into his local patois or whether that’s just how surprisingly, was gone. He claims police a cyber café. No arrests, but it is classi- business. However, the man got into his the officer writes.) Predictably the ex- were in the area, but they refused to file a fied as a burglary. car and simply drove away. Numerous lover, thinking he still had a chance and report. The man believes he had been attempts have been made by the owner not wanting to be alone, came over and drugged by a mysterious enemy. to reach him, but to no avail. banged on the woman’s door. He man- Battered, Saved, aged to pry it open and grabbed her Then Robbed The Passion of the Score neck. Did her new boyfriend save the 7800 Block NE Miami Court Rooftop Hygiene NE 14th Street and 1st Avenue day? No. She took care of business her- A distraught woman was temporarily liv- 1200 Block of N. Miami Avenue An amorous man had hit it off with two self by unloading on her ex with a can of ing in a domestic-violence shelter. Upon Police responded to a burglary-in- women, getting it on in the corner of a bar. pepper spray, which officially cemented going to sleep, she placed her valuables process report. An alert citizen had The trio decided it was time to get a room. their breakup. Note to new lover: When (wallet and cell phone) under her pillow called police when she saw a man rum- as a safety precaution. However, when The man drove the two women in his car it’s time, you’ll know. maging through her neighbor’s back- she awakened the next morning, the items and stopped at an ATM machine to with- yard shed. Then the man ran to the were gone. She explained to police that draw cash to pay for what surely would be Bottoming Out on front house. By the time police arrived, she had tossed and turned in her sleep. a gloriously sleazy night. While he was at Internet Addiction the man was on the roof. Dressed in the machine, however, he couldn’t find his 700 Block of NE 22nd Street black shorts and a black wife-beater, he bank card. He turned around and saw the More than once in “Biscayne Crime Losing a Good was using a hose to wash himself. two women running away. Apparently Beat” we’ve detailed instances in which Customer When he gave in to police, he they had pinched the card during their ten- criminals have broken into homes and 100 Block of NE 1st Street explained his need to shower. This did der embraces at the bar. slept in their victims’ beds, sometimes Even longtime customers can’t be trusted not impress the officers. He was without stealing anything. In this anymore. This man entered an establish- promptly arrested. Feedback: [email protected]

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 33 A RT & CULTURE Female but Maybe Not Feminist A couple of guys put together a show by women By Victor Barrenechea about what constitutes a feminine aes- BT Contributor thetic, wondering whether it’s a particular sensitivity or a particular way of es, Miami may have Naomi stylizing that makes a work “feminine.” Fisher, Wendy Wischer, and “I wonder if people think ‘masculine’ YCristina Lei Rodriguez. But work is more aggressive and ‘female’ compared to the number of Miami work is more passive,” she says. Her men making names for themselves in own work is often compared to that of the art world, it seems our female Erwin Wurm, which leads her to con- artists have yet to break through the clude that neither gender can corner artistic glass ceiling. the market on the specific traits a work “It’s just the reality of the way it is,” can embody. Even Mar and Gutierrez says local artist Pepe Mar. “[Just] go to characterize their work as having a Chelsea [the New York City gallery dis- predominantly “feminine” sensibility. trict] or something, and count the num- “I think in Miami, there are a lot of ber of male solo shows versus women male artists who speak in a feminine solo shows.” In response to this local voice,” says Gutierrez. predicament, Mar and Miami painter For this show, Materazzi will have Aramis Gutierrez have curated an all- three photographs, each depicting some- female exhibition, “The Continuing one caught in exaggeratedly complicated Adventures of Our Heroine,” which and cluttered domestic situations. “I try opens later this month at the David Guest Room, an oil painting by newcomer Natalya Laskis. to pick [situations] that an everyday per- Castillo Gallery. son has trouble with,” she “We were kind of picking up on the underrepresented niche in the explains, “these frustrating fact that there are not that many female Miami art scene.” moments you encounter in artists in Miami,” says Gutierrez, who, The show brings together everyday life.” Hose, for like Mar, is represented by the gallery. seven artists, each at a different example, depicts a man “It was nice to put a spotlight on some stage in her career. You have tangled up in an uncoiled emerging female artists.” Michelle Weinberg, Francie garden hose, while Shows of this nature are not without Bishop Good, Lee Materazzi, Underwear Drawer shows precedent. Recent exhibitions, such as and Susan Lee-Chun. Only two a woman engulfed in piles “Global Feminisms” at the Brooklyn non-Miamians will be taking of clothing, her head stuck part: Jaimie Warren in an unkempt dresser from Kansas City drawer. In each photo- “I wonder if people think ‘masculine’ and the wildly suc- graph, the subject’s face is work is more aggressive and ‘female’ cessful New York obscured, so that while the work is more passive.” photographer Cindy surrounding circumstances Sherman. They will seem fraught with tension, all be joined by the people themselves newcomer Natalya appear quite relaxed, Museum in New York, and the traveling Laskis, a young painter for almost accepting of their “WACK: Art and the Feminist whom this is only the second discomfort. The absurdity Revolution,” have certainly put a spot- show in a gallery setting, and of the domestic situations light on femme-centric art. Locally, too, the first ever in Miami. tinge the works with an there’s the current “Dark Continents” Laskis, who paints in oils, element of dark humor. show at North Miami’s Museum of says, “I think this is more The logo for Lee-Chun’s fictional corporation, The Suz. Korean-American per- Contemporary Art, which explores the important than [my other formance artist Susan Lee- connection between feminism and show]. People will be more critical of the family trips to Thomasville, Georgia. Chun will execute a project titled You’re nature. But “Continuing Adventures” work because of my association with Lakes, streams, and hunting lodges Cordially Invited to Tea Time, in which doesn’t address typical issues of femi- Hernan.” She is referring to perhaps evoke a mood of quiet tranquility and she will not physically participate. “I’ve nism and gender politics; in fact, very Miami’s best-known artist, Hernan Bas, nostalgia. Each finished painting is always been the instigator,” she explains. few the works contain any kind of overt- for whom she works as an assistant and marked by some obscuration of detail “This time I want people to come into the ly feminist subject matter. whom she considers something of a men- that Laskis achieves by limiting the work on their own.” “I think we wanted to avoid a stereo- tor. “He’s a big influence on my work,” amount of brushstrokes. The goal, she Her piece, which touches upon issues typically ‘feminist’ show,” Gutierrez she acknowledges, though she won’t go says, is show more with less. of ethnicity and identity, centers on a explains. “We just wanted to do a show so far as to consider herself his protégée. Photographer Lee Materazzi, also company known as The Suz and repre- about people making art who happen to Most of her work is about her twin sis- represented in the show, says she thinks sents the different aspects of Lee-Chun’s be female — which kind of is an ter and based on photos she has taken on the exhibition may raise questions Continued on page 35

34 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 A RT & CULTURE Female Continued from page 34 personality through characters she has created and performed throughout her career. Meet “Sue,” Lee-Chun with a blond wig, who represents an Americanized Asian. There’s the more aggressive “Sioux,” who rejects that assimilation and is characterized by a headpiece with a protruding rhino horn. Then there’s “Su,” the bridge between the two. Headshots of the three characters combine to create The Suz company logo. Lee-Chun hopes to occupy the space with a quasi-corporate tea party that’s almost Starbucks- Michelle Weinberg’s collages evoking the 1950s and early 1960s. Among the domestic situations explored like. Viewers will be encouraged by Lee Materazzi. to sit on pillows emblazoned with The same,” she says. “Race tends to over- All in all, Gutierrez and Mar Suz’s company images, atop an octago- simplify branches of ethnicity.” agree that the discovery of a younger gen- “The Continuing Adventures of Our nal platform. As soon as four people Very subjective and personal world eration of local female artists was the Heroine” opens October 11 at David seat themselves, a professional caterer views seem to be the common threads most exciting part of putting this show Castillo Gallery, 2234 NW 2nd Ave., will be instructed to serve tea. The among all the works on display, be it together. “You do find all these little Miami. For hours and more information setup will be decorated in an Asian Sherman’s costumed self-portraits or pockets where artists are working that you call 305-573-8110; or visit www.castil- style Lee-Chun describes as not Weinberg’s collages that simultaneously just didn’t think about,” says Gutierrez. loart.com. Korean, but rather generic Asian. romanticize and criticize the notion of “Hopefully, this show will influence some “People feel like it’s all kind of the 1950s housewives. of the younger female artists.” Feedback: [email protected]

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 35 A RT & CULTURE ART LISTINGS WYNWOOD GALLERY WALK & DESIGN DISTRICT BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX ART + DESIGN NIGHT 561 NW 32nd St., Miami EDGE ZONES CONTEMPORARY ART SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 305-576-2828 2214 N. Miami Ave., Miami www.bakehouseartcomplex.org 305-303-8852 ABBA FINE ART Through October 3: www.edgezones.org 233 NW 36th St., Miami “Walls Without Boundaries” with Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-576-4278 various artists and “New www.abbafineart.com Acquisitions” with various artists ELITE ART EDITIONS GALLERY Through October 31: October 11 through November 3: 151 NW 36th St., Miami “Recent Installations” by Pip Brant and “Filatim” with “A-B(o)MB” with various artists and 305-403-5856 Pip Brant, Natasha Duwin, Debra Holt, Kerry Phillips, “Concern for the Future: Uganda” www.elitearteditions.com and Ja Young Yoon by Charlotte Southern Call gallery for exhibition information. Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception October 11, 7 to 11 p.m. ETRA FINE ART ALBERTINI ARTS BARBARA GILLMAN GALLERY 10 NE 40th St., Miami 190 NW 36 St., Miami 4141 NE 2nd Ave. #202, Miami 305-438-4383 305-576-2781 305-573-1920 www.etrafineart.com www.albertiniarts.com www.artnet.com/bgillman.html October 11 through October 30: Call gallery for exhibition information. Ongoing show by Bill Leech “Memories: Large Format” by Marco Otero Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. ALEJANDRA VON HARTZ FINE ARTS BERNICE STEINBAUM 2134 NW Miami Ct., Miami GALLERY FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY 305-438-0220 3550 N. Miami Ave., Miami Kris Knight, Spook, oil on canvas, 2008, at 2247 NW 1st Pl., Miami www.alejandravonhartz.net 305-573-2700 Spinello Gallery. 305-448-8976 Through November 1: www.bernicesteinbaumgallery.com www.snitzer.com “Last Days of Summer” with Soledad Arias, Fabian Through October 4: Through October 4: Burgos, Gabriel and Gilberto Colaco, Marta Chilindron, “Mimicry” Maria Fernanda Cardoso Solo show by Loriel Beltran Geni Dignac, Eugenio Espinoza, Juan Raul Hoyos, October 11 through November 1: DAMIEN B. CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER October 11 through November 18: Silvana Lacarra, Malu Stewart “Mad Cow” by Billie Grace Lynn and “Wish You Were 282 NW 36th St., Miami “The Unexplained” by Hernan Bas Here” by Betty Rosado 305-573-4949 Reception October 11, 7:30 to 10 p.m. AMAYA GALLERY Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. www.damienb.com 2033 NW 1st Pl., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. GALERIE EMMANUEL PERROTIN 917-743-2925 BKHF GALLERY 194 NW 30th St., Miami www.amayagallery.com 1929 NW 1st Ave., Miami DAVID CASTILLO GALLERY 305-573-2130 Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-432-2807 2234 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.galerieperrotin.com www.bkhfgallery.com 305-573-8110 Through November 15: AMBROSINO GALLERY Through October 8: www.castilloart.com “The Undoing” by Daniel Arsham, “AXIOM” by Conrad 2628 NW 2nd Ave., Miami “German Photography Today” with Martin Denker, Through October 4: Shawcross, and “Saturated” by KAWS 305-891-5577 Hans Kotter, Dandita Hofer, Hannes Norberg, Thomas “Tuttle” with various artists www.ambrosinogallery.com Ruff, and Thomas Struth October 11 through November 1: GALLERY DIET Call gallery for exhibition information. “The Continuing Adventures of Our Heroine” with Lee 174 NW 23rd St., Miami CAROL JAZZAR CONTEMPORARY ART Materazzi, Natalya Laskis, Susan Lee-Chun, Francie 305-571-2288 ART FUSION 158 NW 91st St., Miami Shores Bishop Good, Michelle Weinberg, and Cindy Sherman www.gallerydiet.com 1 NE 40th St., Miami 305-490-6906 Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Through October 4: 305-573-5730 www.cjazzart.com “Tempest Prognosticator” by Andrew Mowbray www.artfusiongallery.com By appointment: [email protected] DETAILS FACTORY October 11 through November 1: October 3 through December 24: October 17 through November 8: 2085 NW 2nd Ave., Miami “A Strange Day in July” by “Fusion V — A Global Affair” with various artists “From dark to light...... and back to darkness” with 305-573-1729 Samantha Salzinger Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Kevin Arrow, Farley Aguilar, Kuhl and Leyton, and Call gallery for exhibition information. Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Matthias Saillard ART GALLERY AT GOVERNMENT CENTER Reception October 17, 7 to 10 p.m. DIANA LOWENSTEIN FINE ARTS GARY NADER FINE ART 111 NW 1st St., Suite 625, Miami 2043 N. Miami Ave., Miami 62 NE 27th St., Miami 305-375-4634 CENTER FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATION 305-576-1804 305-576-0256 www.miamidadearts.org 541 NW 27th St., Miami www.dlfinearts.com www.garynader.com October 6 through November 28: 305-571-1415 October 11 through November 1: Call gallery for exhibition information. “Passersby and Home Décor” by Carol K. Brown www.visual.org “24 Hours” by Ralf Peters and a solo show by Trisha October 11 through November 21: Brookbank GO GO GALLERY ART ROUGE “Photographer Poet” by Clarence John Laughlin Reception October 11, 7:30 to 10 p.m. 2238 NW 1st Pl., Miami 46 NW 36th St., Miami Reception October 11, 7 to 9 p.m. 305-576-0696 305-448-2060 DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY www.gogogallery.com www.artrouge.com CHELSEA GALLERIA 3938 NE 39th St., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. Through October 8: 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-573-4046 “Art Rouge — Lurie Galleries September Group Show” 305-576-2950 www.diasporavibe.net HARDCORE ARTS CONTEMPORARY SPACE with Cheryl Maeder, Patricia S. Gutierrez, Jason www.chelseagalleria.com October 9 through November 18: 3326 N. Miami Ave., Miami Poteet, Gay Germain, Doris Mayoral, John Berry, Through October 8: “Caribbean Crossroads Series — Stitches in Time” by Erman 305-576-1645 Jorge Blanco, Tom Brewitz, and Kevin Duffy “Pushing the Envelope” by John Westmark, Vanessa Reception October 9, 7 to 10 p.m. www.hardcoreartcontemporary.com Through October 25: Tomchik, Yasmin Spiro, and Tonel Through October 4: “Fire, Earth and Scriptures” by Juan Gaitán October 11 through November 3: DORSCH GALLERY “ New Media Festival III Edition” with various artists Reception October 11, 7 to 11 p.m. “Sections of Time” with Eduardo del Valle and Mirta 151 NW 24th St., Miami and a solo show by Vanessa McKnight Gomez 305-576-1278 October 11 through November 22: ARTFORMZ Reception October 11, 7 to 11 p.m. www.dorschgallery.com “A Slice of the Action” by Jonathan Stein and Carl 171 NW 23rd St., Miami Through October 4: Pascuzzi and “80-150 Times a Second” by 305-572-0040 CITY LOFT ART “A Mechanical Advantage” by Robin Griffiths and Irene Pressner www.artformz.net 61 NE 40th St., Miami “Yonder” by Brandon Opalka Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Through October 4: 305-438-9006 October 11 through November 8: “Associates 08” with Mark Baum, Marlene de Lazaro, www.euartgallerymiami.com “A Stone’s Throw” by Mark Koven and “Classroom” a HAROLD GOLEN GALLERY John Frazee, Matthew Kracheck, Kimberly Maxwell, Ongoing exhibition “Acrylart” with various artists curatorial experiment Temporary location: Venessa Monokian, Rebecca Newell, Gisela Savdie, Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception October 4, 7:30 to 10 p.m. 314 NW 24th St., Miami Jovan Villalba, and Mark Wojcik Reception October 11, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. 305-576-1880 October 11 through November 8: COLLINS BUILDING www.haroldgolengallery.com “Every Picture Tells a Story” with Fabian De La Flor, 139 NE 39th St., Miami DOT FIFTYONE ART SPACE October 11 through November 1: Donna Haynes, and Rosario Rivera-Bond and “Mr. [email protected] 51 NW 36th St., Miami “Living Dead” with Pooch and Paul Torres & Mrs. Candidate” with David Rohn and Danilo de Through October 17: 305-573-9994 Reception October 11, 7 to 11 p.m. la Torre “SCHADENFREUDE” with Jesper Alvaer, Brock www.dotfiftyone.com Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Enright, Christopher Russell, Al Jaffee, George Through October 25: “Perpendicularity” by Mark Indig Woodbridge, and more Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. Continued on page 37

36 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 A RT & CULTURE

Art Listings LOCUST PROJECTS MILOU GALLERY 105 NW 23rd St., Miami 17 NW 36th St., Miami Continued from page 36 305-576-8570 305-573-8450 IN-DEPENDENT GALLERY SPACE www.locustprojects.org Through October 25: 175 NW 22nd St., Miami Through October 31: “Dream-Cum-Tru” by Clifton Childree “The Pucker-Up Project” with Perry Milou, Thomas 305-672-1002 Through December 31: Dellapenna, and Denise Fike www.in-dependent.com “New Work (wall painting)” by Ed Youngs Call gallery for exhibition information. PANAMERICAN ART PROJECTS LUIS ADELANTADO GALLERY 2450 NW 2nd Ave., Miami JULIO BLANCO STUDIO 98 NW 29th St., Miami 305-573-2400 164 NW 20th St., Miami 305-438-0069 www.panamericanart.com 305-534-5737 www.luisadelantadomiami.com Through October 18: www.onemansho.com Through October 8: “Never Back to School” by Luis Rodrigo “Vanishing” with Pablo Soria, Luis Camejo, and Ryder Through October 11: October 11 through November 30 Cooley “Body Language — A OneManShow” by Julio Blanco “Vanishing Point” by Ricky Rayns October 25 through November 22: October 11 through November 8: Reception October 11, 6 to 8 p.m. Solo shows by Pedro Pablo Oliva, Rene Francisco, “The Project Room” by Julio Blanco and Ryder Cooley Reception October 11, 7 to 11 p.m. LYLE O. REITZEL GALLERY Reception October 25, 6 to 9 p.m. 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami KARPIO + FACCHINI GALLERY 305-573-1333 PRAXIS INTERNATIONAL ART 1929 NW 1st Ave., Miami www.artnet.com/reitzel.html 2219 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-576-4454 Through October 15: “Starting Over” with various artists 305-573-2900; www.praxis-art.com www.facchinigallery.com October 11 through October 31: Call gallery for exhibition information. MIAMI ART GROUP GALLERY A solo show by Ruben Torres Llorca 126 NE 40th St., Miami Hernan Bas, Tarot Reading, char- Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. KEVIN BRUK GALLERY 305-576-2633 coal and graphite on blue paper, 2249 NW 1st Pl., Miami www.miamiartgroup.com SPINELLO GALLERY 305-576-2000 Ongoing show with Jeff League, James Kitchens, 2008, at the Fredric Snitzer Gallery. 2294 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.kevinbrukgallery.com Jamali, Hessam Abrishami, Goli Mahallati, Tom 786-271-4223 Through November 11: Rossetti, Ismael Gomez, and more MIAMI EVENT SPACE www.spinellogallery.com Solo show by Christian Curiel 7820 NE 4th Ct., Miami Through October 4: “Emotional Response Can Be Reception October 11, 7 to 10 p.m. MIAMI ART SPACE 305-438-9002 Deconditioned” by Federico Nessi 244 NW 35th St., Miami www.miamieventspace.com October 11 through November 1: KUNSTHAUS MIAMI 305-438-9002 Call gallery for exhibition information. “So Long Scarecrow” by Kris Knight 3312 N. Miami Ave., Miami www.miamiartspace.com Reception October 11, 7 to 11 p.m. 305-438-1333 Call gallery for exhibition information. MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART AND www.kunsthaus.org.mx DESIGN STEVE MARTIN STUDIO Call gallery for exhibition information. MIAM-DADE COLLEGE, CENTER GALLERY 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 66 NE 40th St., Miami 300 NE 2nd Ave., 305-428-5700 305-484-1491; www.stevemartinfineart.com LEITER GALLERY Bldg. 1, Room 1365, Miami www.mymiu.com Call gallery for exhibition information. 6900 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-237-3696 October 10 through October 24: “Dade County Public 305-389-2616 www.mdc.edu Schools Faculty Exhibition” with various artists Continued on page 38 Call gallery for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. Reception October 10, 5 to 9 p.m.

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 37 A RT & CULTURE

Art Listings WALLFLOWER GALLERY MUSEUM & COLLECTION EXHIBITS Naomi Fisher, Elke Krystufek, Marlene McCarty, Claudia 10 NE 3rd St., Miami and Julia Müller, Paulina Olowska, and more Continued from page 37 305-579-0069 CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation) October 11 through November 9: SUYU ART GALLERY www.wallflowergallery.com 1018 N. Miami Ave., Miami “The Blue Ribbon” by Pablo Cano 12399 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami myspace.com/wallflowergallery 305-455-3380 561-201-2053 Call gallery for exhibition information. www.cifo.org MOCA AT GOLDMAN WAREHOUSE www.suyucultural.com Through October 5: 404 NW 26th St., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. Solo show by Isabel Muñoz 305-893-6211; www.mocanomi.org Through October 11: TWENTY TWENTY PROJECTS FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FROST “Selections from the Permanent Collection” with vari- 2020 NW Miami Ct., Miami ART MUSEUM ous artists 786-217-7683 11200 SW 8th St., Miami www.twentytwentyprojects.com 305-348-0496 THE MARGULIES COLLECTION Through October 5: http://thefrost.fiu.edu/ 591 NW 27th St., Miami “AND THEN” by Mark Gibson Call for operating hours and exhibit information. 305-576-1051 www.margulieswarehouse.com UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PROJECTS SPACE LOWE ART MUSEUM, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI Call for operating hours and exhibit information. 2200 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables 305-284-2542 305-284-3535; www.lowemuseum.org THE RUBELL FAMILY COLLECTION October 3 through November 21: Through November 2: 95 NW 29th St., Miami “Where Are U Now?” alumni exhibition with various “Excavating Egypt: Great Discoveries from the Petrie 305-573-6090 artists Museum of Egyptian Archeology” www.rubellfamilycollection.com Reception October 3, 6 to 9 p.m. Call for operating hours and exhibit information. Exhibit located at the College of Arts and Sciences MIAMI ART MUSEUM Through November 28: Gallery, 1210 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables 101 W. Flagler St., Miami “Hernan Bas: Works from the Rubell Family Collection” 305-375-3000; www.miamiartmuseum.org by Hernan Bas; “John Stezaker: Works from the Rubell UNDERCURRENT ARTS Through October 12: Family Collection” by John Stezaker; and “Euro- 3449 NE 1st Ave., Miami Solo exhibition by Sean Duffy Centric, Part 1: New European Art from the Rubell 305-571-9574 Through November 2: Family Collection” with various artists www.undercurrentarts.com “Selections from the Permanent Collection” with vari- Call gallery for exhibition information. ous artists WORLD CLASS BOXING Matthias Saillard, Untitled 5 October 16 through January 25: Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection UNTITLED 2144 from Luan Series, Pilot pen on “Moving Through Time and Space” by Chantal 170 NW 23rd St., Miami 2144 NE 2nd Ave., Miami paper, 2008, at Carol Jazzar Akerman 305-438-9908 305-576-2112 October 31 through January 18: Appointment only: [email protected] www.untitled2144.com Contemporary Art. “MBE: A Flying Machine for Every Man, Woman and Through October 18: “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” Through October 25: Child” by Yinka Shonibare curated by Desiree Cronk with Peter Garfield, Candida “Euro Photo Group Exhibition” with Domiziana WHITE VINYL SPACE Hofer, Catherine Opie, Gabriel Orozco, Sean Duffy, Giordano, Emanuela Gardner, Pierre Sernet, and 3322 NW 2nd Ave., Miami MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Alice Channer, Thomas Demand, and more Alejandro Garmendi 305-776-1515 770 NE 125th St., North Miami October 30 through December 2: www.whitevinylspace.com 305-893-6211; www.mocanomi.org Compiled by Victor Barrenechea Solo show by Burhan Dogançay Call gallery for Through November 9: Send listings, jpeg images, and events Reception October 30, 7 to 10 p.m. information. “Dark Continents” with Ida Ekblad, Hadassah Emmerich, information to [email protected]

38 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 A RT & CULTURE Culture Briefs From Brazil With Passion A New Season From coach tour, which departs from museum Pie-eating contest, Magical Arts and Milton Nascimento joins the offspring of headquarters (101 W. Flagler St.) at 1:00 Witch Crafts, a bounce house, a DJ, Tigertail p.m. on October 18. Guide Paul George games, and more. Vie for prizes during another Brazilian legend, Antonio Carlos Tigertail Productions, the 29-year-old will spin true tales of murderous mob- the costume contest (noon to 3:00 p.m.) Jobim, to celebrate the 50th anniversary arts organization whose motto is “art sters, drug smugglers, and other bad at the Garden Outpost. Admission is of one of their nation’s greatest gifts to with edge,” launches its new season on guys and gals galore as the bus rattles $29.95 plus tax for adults, $23.95 plus the world: bossa nova. On October 4, October 7 with a free party from 7:00 to from the Miami City Cemetery to Al tax for kids. Call 305-400-7000 or visit Paulo and Daniel Jobim, the bossa nova 9:00 p.m., hosted by home furnishings Capone’s Palm Island home to the South www.jungleisland.com maestro’s son and grandson, will reprise boutique Open Doors (7300 Biscayne Beach doorstep of ill-fated designer many Jobim classics. Adding Blvd.). The party will preview new Gianni Versace, and beyond. Tickets are Nascimento’s singular vocal interpreta- shows, and the eclectic Alfredo Triff Trio $44 (HMSF members pay $39); advance tions promises an original musical expe- will play. Then on October 10, Tigertail reservations and payment are required. rience. The performance, presented by presents the trio of classically trained Call 305-375-1492 or visit the Rhythm Foundation, takes place at Dutch jazz trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, www.hmsf.org. the Adrienne Arsht Center (1300 guitarist Anton Goudsmit, and pianist Biscayne Blvd.) and begins at 8:00 p.m. Harmen Fraanje at the Byron Carlyle Fright Night Comes to the Harper Photo by Jim W. Tickets are $38.50 to $78.50. Call 305- Theater (500 71st St., Miami Beach). Enchanted Forest 949-6722 or visit www.arshtcenter.org. Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 Halloween Haunted Trails at the seniors/students, and $50 VIP. Call 305- Dragon Boats and Enchanted Forest Park (1725 NE 135th 324-4337 or visit www.tigertail.org. Egg Rolls St.) offers a kinder, gentler fear factor. Chinese Dragon Boat festivals — intend- On October 25 scare-lovers can stroll ed to honor the legend of the dragon and phantasmal paths, take a hayride (fright- patriotic poet Qu Yuan — date back 2000 ening if you suffer from allergies), have Scaretastic Cemetery years. The United Chinese Association of their faces painted, and watch dance Peripatetic historian Paul George cele- South Florida keeps the tradition alive in performances. Costume contest partici- brates his birthday on October 31 by Miami. On October 4 and 5, more than pants are guaranteed a prize. The park leading visitors through one of South 30 teams will race across Biscayne Bay, is open from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Florida’s most historic graveyards. The each accompanied by a drummer. On admission is free for kids who are North Ghosts of Miami City Cemetery Night Miami residents. Refreshments will be Walking Tour (8:00 to 10:00 p.m.) land there’s plenty more entertainment: sold on-site. Call 305-895-9840 for exposes the tombstones marking this international dance, food, and music; a more information. city’s most mysterious deaths, earliest “dragon land” kids area; a kite competi- settlers, and original movers and shak- tion; even an egg-roll-eating contest. The Cheetahs Invade Miami ers. Flashlights and advance reserva- fun takes place at Haulover Beach Park The high-pitched squeals echoing tions are suggested; costumes are Marina (10800 Collins Ave.). Races through the city aren’t the cries of majes- optional. Park inside the front gate of begin at 9:30 a.m. daily; the entertain- Not the Straight Man tic cats but the elated wails of “tweens” the cemetery (1800 NE 2nd Ave). ment kicks off around 11:00 a.m. New York Times best-selling author begging their parents to take them to the Tickets are $30 (HMSF members get in Admission is free. Call 305-345-8489 or David Sedaris brings his self-deprecat- Cheetah Girls (TCG) show at the for $25). Call 305-375-1492 or visit visit www.miamidragonboat.com. ing, autobiographical, and sometimes American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne www.hmsf.org. Blvd.) on October 25. Hot on the heels Wet Dreams scatological brand of humor to the Adrienne Arsht Center at 8:00 p.m. of their third Disney movie, The Cheetah Boulevard Haunts Hundreds of images depicting October 15. From Naked to Barrel Girls: One World, TCG perform the The MiMo Biscayne Association pres- University of Miami School of Fever to Me Talk Pretty One Day, his Bollywood-inspired music of their One ents MiMo-Ween, a series of Halloween- Architecture students’ visions for a pub- books have sold more than seven million World Tour beginning at 6:00 p.m. sharp. themed parties and events along licly accessible Miami waterfront prom- copies, and he has received Best Spoken- Tickets are $32.25 to $42.25. Call Biscayne Boulevard from 55th to 77th enade are on view from noon to 5:00 Word Album and Best Comedy Album Ticketmaster at 305-358-5885 or visit streets on October 31. There will be kid- p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until Grammy nominations. Sedaris’s insights www.aaarena.com. friendly activities from 4:00 to 8:00 November 7 at the Miami-Dade College rip through varied topics, from family to Halloween Meets Dr. p.m., with a children’s costume contest Freedom Tower (600 Biscayne Blvd.). drug use to being gay. He’ll sign copies set for 7:30 p.m. sharp at the Upper Speakers for the “On the Waterfront: of his new tome, When You Are Engulfed Dolittle Eastside Garden (7244 Biscayne Blvd.). Miami’s Seven-Mile Promenade” sym- in Flames, after the show. Tickets are A two-day homage to the scariest holi- Adults can party the night away in cos- posium on October 6 at 5:00 p.m. $35 to $60. Call 305-949-6722 or visit day this side of Thanksgiving will pos- tume after 9:00 p.m. at various local include Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, www.arshtcenter.org. sess Jungle Island (1111 Parrot Jungle haunts, including Kingdom (6708 Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Trail, Watson Island) from 10:00 a.m. to Biscayne Blvd.), UVA 69 (6900 UM School of Architecture Dean Murderous Mystery Tour 6:00 p.m. on October 25 and 26. In Biscayne Blvd.), Che Sopranos (7251 Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and others. A If there’s one thing the Magic City has in addition to its trademark animal Biscayne Blvd.), and the haunted house reception follows from 6:00 to 8:00 spades besides sunshine, it’s Mystery, exhibits and shows, Jungle Island’s at Red Light (7700 Biscayne Blvd.). For p.m. Admission is free to all events. Mayhem, and Vice — so that’s the per- annual Halloween Spooktacular will a full list of activities, visit Call 305-284-5002 or visit fect name for the Historical Museum of offer kid-friendly activities such as www.MiMoBoulevard.org or call www.arc.miami.edu/rsvp-for-events. Southern Florida’s upcoming three-hour Creepy Cookie decorating, a Goblin 305-758-6144.

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 39 PARK PATROL Dying to Get In A rich history underfoot at Miami’s city cemetery By Jim W. Harper BT Contributor

ere’s a holiday affair you won’t read about in Martha Stewart HLiving: a cemetery party! Just assemble your least-favorite family members and drive over to the Miami City Cemetery — it’s open 365 days a year. This cemetery isn’t just for Halloween anymore, although the Historical Museum’s tours that evening are legendary. On any day, it’s the most historic place in Miami. It’s also quite green and shady, having been given the Fairchild touch in its early days, and managed today by the parks department of the City of Miami. Bring your picnic blanket and commune with nature’s finest dust. Don’t miss the historic marker and the small, Spanish-tiled “visitor’s center” in the middle of the park. A line of plaques The cemetery’s original ten acres were purchased from Julia Tuttle in One of many reminders that pay tribute to the cemetery’s sextons, 1897. Cost: $750. Florida was a founding member of including its first, known as “Mad the Confederate States of America. Russian” Korsakoff. There is also a Places and the Florida Jewish Heritage Miami. The first body buried here, in bizarre marker in the floor for a time cap- Trail. Who knew? The Jewish section, 1897, was an unidentified black man with this solid block of concrete — December sule buried here in 2004 by the Omni along with the black section, the no marker. In the western, black section, 4, 1926. After the body has gone to dust, Community Redevelopment Agency. The Confederate section, the Catholic section, several tombstones bear witness to black her sleeping form will remain.” In other bathrooms tend to be locked, and the cur- and more, were products of their times. men who signed Miami’s original charter words, he placed her body inside the rent sexton may be nowhere to be found. Lest we forget our history of segregation, of incorporation in 1896. Lying against chamber and poured concrete over it. This ten-acre plot was purchased from it is all laid out here in black and white, in the fence is Miami’s first black lawyer, This parklike cemetery sits two blocks Mary Brickell by the fledgling City of the form of 9000 people, six feet under. Richard E. S. Toomey. Judge Lawson E. west of Biscayne Boulevard in a forgot- Miami in 1897 at a cost of $750. It is list- Strolling among the vaults and tomb- Thomas was a pioneering legislator and ten block, across the street from the 18th ed on the National Register of Historic stones, you browse a who’s who of early reportedly the first black judge in the Street Café. Lost souls of the living vari- South. Nearby is the tombstone of ety drive, pedal their bikes, or amble Bernard Mackey, a member of the popu- down the paved road that divides the MIAMI CITY CEMETERY lar singing quartet the Ink Spots. cemetery into equal halves of north and You’ll also come across Dr. James south. At either end of this “Central Park Rating Jackson (of hospital fame); John Sewell, Avenue” are arched iron gates that read,

E2nd Ave NE N Miami Ave. NE 19th Terrace Miami’s third mayor (1903-1907); and “City of Miami Cemetery.” Julia Tuttle, the “mother of Miami.” Near Two attractive structures surround the

NE 19th St the center is a lovely Art Deco mau- cemetery. Immediately north is the his- 1800 NE 2nd Ave. soleum inscribed simply with “Burdine.” toric and beautiful Temple Israel of Miami Some of the mausoleums are boarded- Greater Miami. To the south, the modern 305-579-6938 up, a testament to the graveyard thieves PARC Lofts dominate an empty skyline, Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:00 who repeatedly have stolen decorative although that is changing too. Next to it Miami City Cemetery a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Sat.- entrances. Some gravestones are worn is another, taller loft project. Sun. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and neglected; others are quite stately. But the large empty lot immediately

N Miami Ave. Picnic tables: No While mostly historic, the cemetery still south of the cemetery reveals the pervasive NE 17th Terrace E2nd Ave NE Barbecues: No witnesses about 15 burials a year. New ugliness of the Omni area. (A shopping Picnic pavilions: No arrivals vying for the 1000 remaining mall may or may not be built there.) The Athletic fields: No plots must be related to someone previ- overall impression outside of the cemetery NE 17th St Night lighting: No ously interred. is: “Drive through as fast as you can.” Swimming pool: No The strangest-tomb award goes to Mr. Inside the cemetery, however, is dap- Special feature: William Miller, who left this inscription pled shade and rows of coconut palms. NE 163rd St Historical gravesites to describe his wife’s remains: “The body Getting back to the cemetery’s Catholic of Carrie Barrett Miller was moulded in Continued on page 41

40 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 PARK PATROL Cemetery page 39) also corresponds with the Continued from page 40 birthday of its guide, Dr. Paul section, look for the tomb of John B. George, the undisputed guru of Reilly, the first mayor of Miami. You Miami’s history. His tours are high- can also find Frank Kanen, the father of ly recommended. the Redland. The cemetery welcomes lovers One of the two roundabouts along of tropical plants, as there are Central Avenue is dedicated to the many varieties here, and even a Confederate Army. Many tombstones few showpieces. Some of the sinu- throughout the cemetery feature the ous gumbo limbo trees have inscription “C.S.A.” for the Confederate snaked their roots around tiny States of America. There is also an tombstones. Other tree trunks pro- American Legion section with many vet- vide a dark backdrop for white erans of World Wars I and II memorial- angelitos lindos. ized with simple, ground-level tablets. Although run by the parks The Jewish section was added in 1915 department, the Miami City and walled in as prescribed by tradition. Cemetery will never be a park in The white wall is quite low, but the the traditional sense. Tossing a entrance has an imposing black iron gate Frisbee would be possible, but adorned with large Stars of David. Many improper. Having a picnic is prop- tombstones contain both English and er, but possibly disconcerting. The Hebrew inscriptions. A common date of clear theme in this park is death. death is 1918, the year of the Spanish Still, anyone with an interest in It may not be a true park, but it is lovely, it’s open 365 days a year, and it’s free. flu epidemic. Miami’s history must visit this The Historical Museum of Southern place. It reminds us of the early families When it was created, this cemetery sliver of green space in Miami’s con- Florida exposes the cemetery’s spookiest who came here and created something was located in woodlands north of the crete jungle. elements with tours on Halloween out of nothing. It also reminds us that city’s limits. Those woods and bound- Resting in peace here is a good thing. evening and on November 1. The Miami was racially (and religiously) seg- aries are long gone, but fortunately its Halloween event (see “Culture Briefs,” regated for most of its history. silent residents have held fast to this Feedback: [email protected]

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 41 C OLUMNISTS: KIDS A ND T HE C ITY A New Take on the Old Book-of-the-Month Club Kids receive quality literature centered on the Jewish experience By Jenni Person Corridor at the Lemon City library branch, BT Contributor 430 NE 61st Street (305-757-0662) on Wednesday, November 19, at 10:30 a.m. nyone who has been reading this For more information about The PJ column for any amount of time Library and to sign up for a free subscription, Aknows that my kids have a lot of check out www.jewishmiami.org/pjlibrary. books. I annually provide suggested summer reading ideas, I have promoted that kids Theater Classes for Kids read banned books, and I’ve covered LGBT in Miami Shores family reading suggestions. I make no Kids from 6 to 12 years old can experi- secret of the fact that I believe reading is ence some serious theater training with the central to our kids’ development, and read- Pegasus Project, an initiative of some fig- ing together is one of the most basic and ures from Miami’s professional theater enriching ways we can affect our kids’ lives. community. The program was co-founded Clearly, I’m a fan of kiddie lit. So when I and designed by Edgar Caraballo, Carolina was approached some months ago to serve Fonseca, Jesus Quintero, and Melissa as the local professional for a national Almaguer. The four are professional actors Jewish kids’ book initiative, I stopped to families actively and in person. Thus there households will be receiving the timeless and educators who have taught in a variety consider it — and took up the offer. is also a host of exciting and creative pro- and beautifully illustrated Something of countries and have spent years focusing Modeled after Dolly Parton’s Imagination gramming on tap. From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman, which their talents on educating students of all Library, the PJ Library sends a new, age- Our Miami PJ Library site joins others made me cry the first time I read it. ages about theater arts. appropriate Jewish kids’ book monthly to that have had great success in communities On Sunday, September 21, we held our The program includes a series of classes the homes of Jewish children across the across the country, from Portland, Oregon, first event at the Miami Children’s Museum. called Performance 1. These classes meet country. In Miami-Dade, 1800 of the free to western Massachusetts, where it originat- It was great seeing quite a few friends and once a week for nine weeks, each class run- subscriptions are available for children ages ed. Through the generosity of the Harold neighbors there with their kids. Participants ning one and a half hours. Every child will six months to five and a half years, through Grinspoon Foundation, local funders the heard Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz of the Open receive training in the basics of acting, music, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Blank Family Foundation, and in-kind sup- Tent, one of PJ Library’s Implementing and dance. Each group’s class culminates in The diverse collection of books is care- port from the Greater Miami Jewish Partners, tell a story. They then participated an “open class” in which students share with fully vetted by a panel of early-childhood Federation, we are able to bring this inno- in a Rosh Hashanah crafts project and family and friends what they’ve learned. and literacy professionals, resulting in an vative outreach program to our community. were treated to story time featuring PJ Classes take place Mondays at the Miami extremely strong selection that challenges The program is being launched here Library books about Rosh Hashanah. Shores Community Center from 5:30 to kids appropriately through their literary with 20 “Implementing Partners” (syna- The PJ Library will also be present at 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to and artistic merit. A far cry from when I gogues, schools, JCCs) who have provid- Children’s Alley at the Miami Book Fair 12:00 p.m. On Sundays they’re held Barry was a kid, contemporary Jewish chil- ed access to their members for a mass- International with story time and crafts University from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. dren’s literature flows with current mailing, as well as participating in pro- projects inspired by Todd Parr’s The The price of any nine-class session at the trends, providing families with real litera- gram development and by promoting the Peace Book, another PJ Library selection. Shores Community Center: Miami Shores ture worthy of bedtime stories. The books program through regular newsletters and And I’m working with Miami-Dade residents $200; nonresidents $250. At Barry are filled with wonder, authenticity, rele- notices. An initial communitywide mail- Public Library System to develop pro- University it’s $200. For information e-mail vance, and simply good illustration. ing has been implemented and includes a grams collaboratively, including some PJ [email protected] or In addition to encouraging families to book as well as an invitation to sign up Library story times throughout the system call 786-237-9344 cuddle up at night with the Jewish experi- for one of our 1800 available subscrip- in November in honor of Jewish Book ences, the PJ Library aims to engage young tions. In Miami-Dade County, 45,000 Month. You can catch it in the Biscayne Feedback: [email protected]

42 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OLUMNISTS: TECH TALK Mac vs. PC: Making the Switch There’s a reason you never see an Apple store empty By Marc Stephens the generalized Windows-based person- Which brings us to disadvantage #2: especially when compared to the PC’s BT Contributor al-operating system. Apple computers by Monopolist economics. With so many conventionally boxy posture and overall necessity remain the odd men out. big-league manufacturers jockeying for trial-by-committee demeanor. aybe it’s because I’m a tech Whether at work, at home, or on vaca- your computing dollar, the PC industry Then there are the many operating- guy, but everyone in my orbit tion, iMacs and MacBooks often require benefits from all the advantages inherent system advantages to consider. The gen- Mwho makes “The Big Switch” a specially dedicated support apparatus in good old capitalistic competition, not eral Microsoft Windows graphic inter- always seems to tell me about it first. to function and/or connect properly. In just in terms of quality, but also with face was likely lifted from the Voice low, eyes wide, they confess to fact a lot of hotels and workplaces won’t regard to price and service. A bigger Macintosh decades ago anyhow, and for buying an Apple the way one admits to even support them at all! I myself have market means more players, which in all the MS-Windows iterations since robbing a liquor store, or running off seen commercial, open-access wireless turn means more products, from the that time, the Mac operating system still with another woman: Having loved their networks reject a Mac connection out of machines themselves to third party appli- enjoys a well-deserved reputation for sleek and functional iPods and iPhones hand, and for no discernible reason, even cations to their integral operating sys- stability and dependability far beyond for years, they finally broke down and though these same networks will accept tems and software. that of XP. Besides, if it is Windows crossed all the way over to the Dark Japanese- and German-made PCs with- Random Silicon Valley geniuses interoperability you want, the Mac Side. And yes, they are inevitably happi- out so much as a hiccup. Anecdotal or fomenting the next seismic computing operating system now comes preloaded er as a result. not, such examples are real, and must be breakthrough are logically going to con- with Apple’s “Boot Camp,” a built-in PC makers abound, but there’s only taken into account. Remote computing centrate on the PC market first, with Windows interface that allows all one Apple, which creates both advan- remains a hit-or-miss proposition even Apple coming as an afterthought, if at Microsoft-related software to run local- tages and disadvantages for prospective under the best of circumstances; travel- all. And with HP, Dell, Acer, et al., all ly, as if it were resident on a genuine buyers in terms of price, software inte- ing with a Mac may sow additional selling similar PC-based computers, PC. If not, most business suites (includ- gration, and overall compatibility. With uncertainty into the mix, which on a prices are bound to keep dropping — ing MS Office, QuickBooks, and Web only 6.5 percent of worldwide market business trip can be an absolute killer. toward the $700 to $800 range as of browsers) are also available in fully share compared to Dell’s 31.4 percent Alongside such proprietary hardware now for a respectably powerful Inspiron functional Mac versions, and Mac (all stats are from Gartner, Inc.), Apple obstacles, most people who switch from laptop, as opposed to a loaded browsers are configured for seamless may be a small player in absolute terms, PC to Mac must also learn to navigate MacBook, which can run you twice use of nearly all major Internet sites. but they remain a definite “prime mover” the inevitable “two-timing” challenge. that. Quite a persuasive demonstration In the end, it’s been my experience as measured by growth and influence. Unlike longtime Apple owners, a PC of varying market approaches, given that people in nontech industries often And it’s not hard to see why. Both the user also faces the irreducibly back- that Apple is still a monopoly while the do best with a Mac. When your profes- iPod and iPhone remain the gold stan- breaking chore known as “migration” — PC has been “open-source” for nearly sion consists of logging into various dard in personal-service hardware — two i.e., relocating all of your resident pro- three decades! disparate computer networks at multi- near-miraculous pieces of machinery, as grams, games, and vital work processes But Apple is also a smart, innovative ple companies, it definitely pays to practical and well-designed as they are to a new and different computing plat- company, yielding numerous advantages conform. Otherwise the choice is yours. addictive. Who wouldn’t be tempted to form. Laziness and/or technical difficul- for its customers as well. Fewer targets So I’ll leave you with just one final thrust their daily computing chores into ties often follow, so that in many cases equals fewer opportunities for mischief, question: Have you ever seen an Apple the 21st Century at long last, and with this transformation is never fully real- meaning that most of the bad guys store empty? the same company that made music and ized, leaving our poor idealistic Mac hacking networks and writing viruses Me neither. communication so much fun? owner with a shameful PC crutch sitting over in Bulgaria aren’t all that interest- But first the downside. For better or back home in his den — not to mention ed in assaulting Macs in Miami. Have a tech question? E-mail it to Marc worse, we live in a PC-oriented world, the massive headache of switching back Moreover, a sleek and tactile design Stephens at tectalk1 “at” bellsouth.net with some 90 percent of networks, soft- and forth from machine to machine, aesthetic suffuses the entire Apple prod- ware, and other interfaces geared toward depending upon the task at hand. uct line, making them a joy to use, Feedback: [email protected]

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 43 C OLUMNISTS: PAWSITIVELY P ETS One Command Solves the Problem When your dog behaves badly, don’t hiss at him — try this By Lisa Hartman family? He must now sit to greet them. BT Contributor He must not be able to get petted by or be near humans if his rear isn’t firmly any times I get calls from planted on the floor. This is very hard for prospective clients with out-of- most dogs, as jumping up to greet is nat- control dogs — untamed, wild ural canine behavior. But practice makes

M BT photo by Marcy Mock animals that pull them down the street, perfect, and in time it will come. jump on them, jump on their friends and Catch him in the act. If your dog is sit- children, steal food off the counter. ting, whether you asked him to or not, Sound familiar? Perhaps this could be a reward him with a treat, ear rub, atten- dog you know — or own! tion, whatever he likes. He will start to People are always asking me what to sit more and more by sheer reinforce- do, what tone of voice to use, or to ment of the reward. explain to them their dog’s underlying Make him sit to get everything he motives. Common belief: “He’s trying to wants in life. Think of “sit” as a dog’s dominate me!” Sometimes when I enter way of saying please. It is his way of a client’s house, they are pointing and asking politely for something. Does he hissing like a snake at their boisterous want to go outside? He has to sit at the pet. A certain television personality door. Does he want you to throw the would have them believe hissing is a ball? Again, he should sit. Waiting for cure for everything. his dinner? You guessed it, sit. Sit sit sit! Well, I’m here to say you don’t need If your dog wants to be let in to the dog to hiss, yell, or become an advanced park to play with his friends, he must sit canine-obedience star to make your dog before you open the gate. This is called behave at home. In fact you need to do using “life rewards.” He will sit for less. A lot less. And you and your dog one task: to reinforce sitting. Stop yelling, your dogs probably follow you around. everything he wants in life. need to get happy — “sit happy,” that is. saying no, and talking to your dog in gen- Walk back and forth from room to room, I once had a client, a female college Sure, your dog knows how to sit, but is eral if he is not sitting. Your job now is to treats in hand. Stop walking and look at student with a hyperkinetic new he “sit happy”? give him what he wants only if his hind your dog. When he sits, give him a small Weimaraner puppy who could not sit A sit-happy dog is pleased to always be quarters are on the ground. So let’s start treat. He will never know when you will still if his life depended on it. Like a sitting. He “throws” sits at you wherever practicing. whirling Dervish, he spun around her you are. Sitting is a major problem-solver. Bring a bag of tasty kibble or apartment as if the furniture were race- Your dog cannot jump on people or count- even better, delicious treats, on Your dog cannot jump on people or track pylons. Young Chino pounced on er-surf if he’s sitting. In fact, most dogs your next walk. Every 20 feet counter-surf if he’s sitting. In fact, most everyone he met and dragged this poor bark less, if at all, when sitting as opposed or so, stop and ask your dog to dogs bark less, if at all, when sitting as girl everywhere he wanted to go. He to standing. Of course, all dogs know how sit. When he does, reward him opposed to standing. was too strong for her, and growing by to sit, but I’m sure some of you are think- with a tasty morsel. Continue the day. ing: “I ask Frankie to sit but he still jumps stopping and asking him to sit Naturally part of the cure for him was on me!” This is because he is not sit all throughout the walk. Most exercise, as all dogs need. But then we happy, yet. So let’s all get happy! dogs catch on quickly that your stopping reward him, and he will start sitting more began implementing the plan to get Remember I said you have to do less? means they should be sitting. You can in hopes you will. Well, it’s true. From now on, you have even do this around the house. Most of Is Frankie jumping on friends and Continued on page 45 Rio’s Pet Spa & Boarding www.riopetspa.com Complete Grooming Bathing $ Flea & Tick Bath 5 OFF Cageless Boarding New Customers Only Day Care Store Hours: Food & Supplies Mon-Sat, 8AM-6PM 18170 West Dixiee H Hwy,wyy, MiamiMiamimi

44 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OLUMNISTS: PAWSITIVELY P ETS Command We used treats in our program, too, as he wagging his stump of a tail. On a walk, he ignore it. Remember, you have only one Continued from page 44 was also very food-motivated. By the third stayed close to his owner and stared at her job: Reward sitting. By focusing on one Chino “sit happy.” I needed to find out the whole way, hoping to earn his command, you can have an exceptionally what made this puppy tick. I learned that prized possession, sitting every well-behaved dog who will also be Chino was bonkers for tennis balls, com- By the third class, Chino was a few seconds in hopes of a happy, sit happy. Perhaps more impor- pletely obsessed by them. Great! I told completely changed dog. He ran up to cookie or ball-toss. tant, you will be happy. my client that from now on, she would Remember to watch your me off-leash — and sat, wagging his carry a tennis ball or two wherever she timing. Your dogs hind end Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer for went. He would have to sit to get her to stump of a tail. should be down on the Pawsitively Pets. You can reach her at throw it or toss it to him. She could also ground when you reward him. [email protected] or just show it to him to get his focus on a Your dog may still try some www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. walk or distract him before he got into class, Chino was a completely changed of the bad behavior for a while, as it trouble if need be. dog. He ran up to me off-leash — and sat, worked perfectly for him in the past. Just Feedback: [email protected]

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 45 C OLUMNISTS: HARPER’ S E NVIRONMENT Kill Baby Kill Why would county commissioners want to make it easier to hurt manatees? By Jim W. Harper with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation BT Contributor Commission, and venting frustration about the ignorance and hostility of Sebastian hy does Miami always find a Inlet’s locals, the manatee swam away. way to screw things up? Just Although I believe most people fall Wwhen our manatees were feel- into the camp of wanting to save mana- ing cozy and protected — WHAM! — tees, there are clearly Floridians who along comes the S.S. County could care less. The latter respect the Commission. This death ship is currently manatee about as much as most highway holding public hearings, at a cost of drivers respect armadillos. It is some- $700,000, about weakening Miami-Dade what easier to forgive the millions of County’s protections for the federally tourists to these parts who have no idea endangered species. what a manatee is and how few there are Even Gov. Charlie Crist took a Photo by Patrick M. Rose, Save the Manatee Club left. These people, the indifferent and the moment out of the tanning salon last ignorant, are why manatees must be year to halt a state committee from con- fiercely protected. sidering a downgrade of the manatee’s They must also be protected from the status. These gentle giants need safe- ignorance of Miami-Dade County guarding just as children walking to Commissioner Natacha “Barracuda” school need crossing guards. No debate Commissioner Natacha Seijas is “no fan” of these slow-moving creatures. Seijas, who has stated publicly that man- necessary. atees are “dumb” and a nuisance. Meanwhile, all five council members combination of Miami-Dade’s Haulover tried to intervene, we were mocked and Thanks, Miami, for re-electing the in the City of North Miami approved and Oleta parks. From the fishing pier very much outnumbered by the crowd of “Cruella de Vil of Biscayne Bay,” as stronger waterways ordinances on jutting into the Atlantic, I spied two young people. Their response: “Dude, local commentator Jim DeFede has September 9, which will help to protect undulating manatees headed toward the why do you have to ruin our party?” dubbed her. manatees visiting those canals and parts beach. One parked itself in the gentle When the situation got worse, we plead- Seijas appointed a law-breaker to the of Biscayne Bay. surf at the shoreline. But the surfers were ed with the lifeguard to do something. 14-member committee that is reviewing But enough about them; let’s get back not so gentle with the languid Miami-Dade County’s 1995 Manatee to me. I have been to manatee heaven sea cow. Protection Plan. Her appointee, Dick and hell. Last summer, in 15-feet-deep Here’s where the manatee Natacha “Barracuda” Seijas has stated Bunnell, is still on probation and was water off South Beach, peering directly and I entered hell together. that manatees are “dumb” and a nui- fined $150,000 in 2004 for failing to down with my goggles, I saw a huge The surfers were imbibing sance. Thanks, Miami, for re-electing the obtain federal permits to build docks in dark shape slowly fill my field of vision. while tossing around a foot- “Cruella de Vil of Biscayne Bay.” protected waterways, as reported in June After a moment’s panic, I saw that I was ball, and they took the mana- by the St. Petersburg Times (http://tam- floating above an aggregation of seven tee’s presence about as seri- pabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/art manatees. There, within earshot of the ously as their drinking games. icle615077.ece). nightclubs, was nature at her best. But Can you catch the football if I throw it Instead the “lifeguard” told us to leave “A lot of people have a business inter- that was then. near the manatee’s tail? Hey, how about the beach and to stop bothering his est on the [Miami] River. That’s as plain Flash-forward to this summer’s vaca- jumping over its back for a Hail Mary? friend, who had just threatened to punch as day,” says Pamela Sweeney, a mana- tion in Vero Beach and a day trip to Can you hit the manatee in the face me in the face. tee expert and environmental specialist nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park, popu- when it surfaces to breathe? At some point while I was searching for lar with the surfing crowd and akin to a When we three horrified onlookers a park ranger, filing an official complaint Continued on page 47

46 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OLUMNISTS: HARPER’ S E NVIRONMENT Manatee needs to stop catering to special interests, Tripp thinks statewide efforts during the deaths, of which only 4 were classified Continued from page 46 meaning dock builders and developers. past 30 years have helped stabilize the man- as natural. And with an increasing with the state-established Biscayne Bay Its next public meeting, set for October 1, atee population, which reached a peak of human population and growing boat traf- Aquatic Preserve. “Lots of folks on the will include FWC officials and 3300 individuals in the 2001 aerial count. fic, South Florida is a dangerous place [manatee-review] committee feel that our Sweeney’s Manatee Awareness Group Last year’s count found 2817 individuals. for manatees. plan is too rigid and offers too much pro- (see www.miamidade.gov/derm/mana- “But we don’t really know how many man- As residents, though, we can do our tection. But our plan is considered very tee_agendas_and_information.asp). atees is enough,” she says. Moreover, she part to make the environment safer for efficient and one of the most respected.” According to Sweeney, at previous meet- adds, “If we protect manatees, we protect all them by educating children and neigh- The Florida Fish and Wildlife ings the public has voiced the opinion that types of aquatic species.” bors about these magnificent mammals. Conservation Commission (FWC) agrees, the plan should be strengthened instead of One of the saddest commentaries on People who live on the water can obtain and they sent a letter on December 18, weakened. Manatees must be protected the plight of the manatee is that scientists free “manatee safety” signs from the 2007, to Carlos Espinosa, director of the from extinction. The only thing in Miami use propeller scars to identify individuals Save the Manatee Club. For more infor- Miami-Dade Department of because the majority of them have been mation call 800-432-5646 or e-mail edu- Environmental Resources struck by motorboats. Tripp says one [email protected]. Management, explaining, “We At Miami Seaquarium, take a look at the manatee was found to have 50 distinct Anyone witnessing a problem involving believe that the existing plan is scars on manatee Phyllis, then ask scars from 50 separate hits. manatees should immediately call the a good one that works to pro- In addition to fast-moving boats, FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 (*FWC or yourself: Why would Miami want to put tect manatees while still direct- threats to the manatee include loss of #FWC from a cellular phone). A second ing coastal development proj- more of these creatures at risk? habitat, red tide (toxic algae blooms), option is to call the Marine Animal Rescue ects to appropriate locations in and cold stress syndrome from water that Society, in Miami, at 305-546-1111. the county.” They went on to dips below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Their If you want a guaranteed encounter state that “four manatee carcasses have that needs to disappear from existence for- temperature sensitivity is what causes with a manatee, visit the Miami been removed this year from the [Miami] ever is this committee. But sadly, too many manatees to migrate like snowbirds — Seaquarium. Take a close look at the scars River, including deaths from watercraft people don’t seem to care enough to do their numbers swell to around 200 in on Phyllis, one of the residents, and then and entanglement.” anything. “We have a crisis on our hands Miami’s waterways in the winter. ask yourself: Why would Miami want to Hello, Miami commissioners! You are with people’s apathy. The threats just keep Tripp describes the population on put more of these creatures at risk? wasting your time and taxpayers’ money. increasing,” says Katie Tripp, director of Florida’s east coast as “stable.” But sta- Indeed, Miami, why? The FWC is not going to approve a science and conservation for Maitland- bility should not be mistaken for securi- weaker plan! The review committee based Save the Manatee Club. ty. In 2007 Miami-Dade recorded 13 Feedback: [email protected]

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 47 C OLUMNISTS: YOUR G ARDEN Butterfly Magnets and Wind Victims Suggestions for attracting butterflies and avoiding toppled trees By Jeff Shimonski and then pull out almost all of it, leav- BT Contributor ing a little bit to grow back. Be aware this plant is an invasive ast fall I began noticing large exotic and should not be purposely prop- numbers of butterflies at Jungle agated, but if it does show up in your LIsland, where I work. During the garden, you can control it for the butter- past several years, I would see the occa- flies, as well as for the flowers, which sional butterfly or two that would blow BT photo by Jeff Shimonski are very attractive. Ever since we’ve in with the wind from somewhere off- been cultivating this passion vine, there shore of Watson Island, and of course the has been a fairly stable population of many smaller species of butterflies and Julias in the park. One time I took a moths that were utilizing the tiny flower- photo of a group of Julias and was able ing plants in the lawn areas. But when I to count 25 in a single cluster. started seeing dozens of large butterflies Another plant that does a great job at one time, I took notice. One day last attracting butterflies is the Fire Bush, fall I saw large numbers of Julias, an Hamelia patens. The Fire Bush we are attractive migratory species from South growing at Jungle Island is what would America, congregating in a single area of be called, in the nursery trade, an African the park. Fire Bush. This is not the typical Fire This congregating has continued Passion flowers are a larval food plant for many species of butterflies. Bush that used to be found in South intermittently since last year. The Florida, with softer, often chewed-up Julias were mostly in a very dense itself and was growing throughout and naturalized in many other tropical leaves, more brittle branches, and a area of vegetation. When I made my over many of the other plants. This zones of the world. Julia butterflies shorter life span. The plants, at least at way inside the area, I found that a vine is Passiflora foetida, originally breed on passion vines. Now I let the weedy passion vine had established from South America but which has vine grow until it becomes a nuisance, Continued on page 49

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48 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 C OLUMNISTS: YOUR G ARDEN Butterfly For many years I have been growing goes against current plant dogma, but Go to a healthy-looking tree that has Continued from page 48 different species of pipe vine. These our recent high winds came from a been planted in the ground for a few Jungle Island, will grow into a very large were always short-lived vines with very direction opposite that of Hurricanes years, push and pull on the trunk, and shrub or small tree. The leaves are shiny exotic-looking flowers. At the park we Katrina and Wilma of a few years ago. watch the ground. Do you see the ground and waxy looking, and it flowers pro- have several plants of Aristolochia ele- This exposed certain trees at the park to cracking eight to ten inches away from fusely. Through DNA analysis we know gans (pipe vines) growing in containers wind stresses they had not experienced the trunk in a circular fashion? If you do, that this form of Hamelia originated in in our two plant nursery areas. Pipe since being planted within the past five this tree was probably pot bound at some Mexico, was brought to Europe, Africa, vines are larval food plants for a number years. Two pigeon plums, Coccoloba point in its life before being planted in and Asia in the 1800s, and is now start- of species of Swallowtail butterfly. When diversifolia, were blown over. Both of the ground. The main structural roots are ing to naturalize in our area. we started placing some of these contain- these native trees were planted close likely pointed down where the ground is I have seen dozens of butterflies er plants in different locations, I started together, were about 15 feet tall, and cracking. This tree, whether a native or being attracted to the flowers of this noticing Swallowtail butterflies flying were very healthy, with nice canopies. not, is a good candidate for wind-throw Fire Bush. On a recent hot afternoon throughout the park. This is the first year The root balls had pulled half-way out during the next hurricane because of (butterflies are most active at the I’ve begun to see this species regularly. of the ground. poor root-system structure. hottest time of the day), I When we pulled both trees out to Don’t plant root-bound trees and counted four different butter- replant them, I was amazed at the small expect them to stand up to high winds. fly species within 15 minutes When I started seeing dozens of large size of the root balls. They were the size And don’t plant trees with poor branch visiting two large plants at the butterflies, I took notice. One day of a 14-inch nursery container, with a structure and expect them to withstand a park. These two plants are last fall I saw large numbers of Julias few straggling roots outside this dense strong storm. Have your trees pruned underneath a large Lysiloma area. Both trees had been in containers at professionally on a regular basis. congregating in a single area of the park. tree, which also happens to be one time and had become root bound. in flower — small, cream-col- All of the main structural roots reached Jeff Shimonski is an ISA-certified munic- ored, powder-puff flowers. to what had been the edges of the pot ipal arborist, director of horticulture at This is one of the best viewing areas in Hurricanes are devastating events for and turned down. Being planted in the Jungle Island, and principal of Tropical the park for butterflies. Sulphur-col- gardens. The high winds we had recent- ground for five years had not been Designs of Florida. Contact him by e- ored butterflies along with whites, ly reinforced a few horticultural princi- enough for these trees to send out stabi- mail at [email protected], or visit greens, and some other color variations pals for me. One is that native plants lizing roots that would support the trees tropicaldesigns.com. that I have not been able to identify are don’t necessarily withstand high winds in high winds. profuse here. better than other plants. I know this You can check this out for yourself. Feedback: [email protected]

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October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 49 R ESTAURANT L ISTINGS Six more Biscayne Corridor restaurants added this month! Total: 193. Look for

Restaurant listings for the BT Dining Azul asparagi e granchi (with lump crab, lobster cream, moz- about the seafood’s freshness; on their way to the rustic Guide are written by Pamela Robin 500 Brickell Key Dr., 305-913-8254 zarella, and fresh asparagus). $$-$$$ outside dining deck overlooking the Miami River, diners Brandt. Every effort has been made to Floor-to-ceiling picture windows showcase Biscayne Bay. can view the retail fish market to see what looks fresh- But diners are more likely to focus on the sparkling raw Café Sambal est. Best preparations, as always when fish is this fresh, ensure accuracy, but restaurants bar and open kitchen, where chef Clay Conley crafts 500 Brickell Key Dr. are the simplest. When stone crabs are in season, frequently change menus, chefs, and imaginative global creations – many of them combina- 305-913-8358 Garcia’s claws are as good as Joe’s but considerably tions, to satisfy those who want it all. One offering, “A www.mandarinoriental.com/miami cheaper. The local fish sandwich is most popular – operating hours, so please call ahead to Study in Tuna,” includes tuna sashimi, Maine crab, avo- Though the Mandarin Oriental Hotel describes this space grouper, yellowtail snapper, or mahi mahi, fried, grilled, or confirm information. Icons ($$$) represent cado tempura, and caviar, with several Asian sauces. as its “casual hotel restaurant,” many consider it a more blackened. The place is also famous for its zesty estimates for a typical meal without wine, Moroccan lamb is three preparations (grilled chop, haris- spectacular dining setting than the upscale Azul, upstairs, smoked-fish dip and its sides of hushpuppies. $-$$ sa-marinated loin, and bastilla, the famed savory-sweet owing to the option of dining outdoors on a covered ter- tax, or tip. Hyphenated icons ($-$$$) Middle Eastern pastry, stuffed with braised shank), plus race directly on the waterfront. The food is Asian-inspired, Grimpa Steakhouse indicate a significant range in prices feta and smoked eggplant. Finish with a vanilla soufflé with a few Latin and Mediterranean accents (sushi, plus 901 S. Miami Ave., 305-455-4757 your way, a choice of toppings: chocolate, raspberry, or creative fusion dishes like tangerine-anise spiced short www.grimpa.com between lunch and dinner menus, or crème anglaise. $$$$$ ribs with scallion pancake, or a tempura-battered snapper This expansive indoor/outdoor Brazilian eatery at Brickell among individual items on those menus. sandwich with lemon aioli). For the health-conscious, the Plaza is more sleekly contemporary than most of Miami’s $= $10 and under Bali menu includes low-cal choices. For hedonists there’s a rodizio joints, but no worries. The classic sword-wielding 109 NE 2nd Ave., 305-358-5751 big selection of artisan sakes. $$$-$$$$$ gauchos are here, serving a mind-reeling assortment of $$= $20 While Indonesian food isn’t easy to find in Miami, down- skewered beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausages, and fish -- town has secret stashes -- small joints catering to Asian- Caribbean Delight 16 cuts at dinner, 12 at lunch. And included in the price $$$= $30 Pacific cruise-ship and construction workers. Opened 236 NE 1st Ave (dinner $47, lunch $34) is the traditional belly-busting $$$$= $40 circa 2002, this cute, exotically decorated café has sur- 305-381-9254 buffet of hot and cold prepared foods, salad, cold cuts, vived and thrived for good reason. The homey cooking is Originally from Jamaica, proprietor Miss Pat has been and cheeses, plus additional accompaniments -- like irre- $$$$$= $50 and over delicious, and the friendly family feel encourages even serving her traditional homemade island specialties to sistible cheese bread -- served tableside. A pleasant, the timid of palate to try something new. Novices will downtown office workers and college students since the nontraditional surprise: unusual sauces like sweet/tart want Indonesia’s signature rijsttafel, a mix-and-match col- early 1990s. Most popular item here might be the week- passion fruit or mint, tomato-based BBQ, and mango MIAMI lection of small dishes and condiments to be heaped on day lunch special of jerk chicken with festival (sweet-fried chutney, along with the ubiquitous chimichurri. $$$$- rice. Once you’re hooked, there’s great gado-gado (veg- cornmeal bread patties), but even vegetarians are well $$$$$ Brickell / Downtown gies in peanut sauce), nasi goring (ultimate fried rice), served with dishes like a tofu, carrot, and chayote curry. and laksa, a complex coconut-curry noodle soup that’s All entrées come with rice and peas, fried plantains, and Indochine Abokado near-impossible to find made properly, as it is here. Note: salad, so no one leaves hungry – doubly true thanks to 638 S. Miami Ave., 305-379-1525 900 S. Miami Ave., bring cash. No plastic accepted here. $-$$ the home-baked Jamaican desserts. $ www.indochinebistro.com 305-347-3700 Indochine has succeeded by morphing from mere restau- www.abokadosushi.com The Bar at Level 25 (Conrad Hotel) Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita rant into hip hangout. Copious special events (art open- Hamachi chiles rellenos? Shiso leaf “nachos” topped 1395 Brickell Ave., 305-503-6500 1000 S. Miami Ave., 305-403-3103 ings, happy hours with DJs, classic movie or karaoke with raw spicy tuna, kaiware sprouts, and other Asian On the Conrad’s restaurant/lobby-level 25th floor, the www.doloreslolita.com nights, wine or sake tastings) draw everyone from down- ingredients? The Viva, a sushi roll that starts with stan- expansive, picture-windowed space around the corner It’s hard to figure why a Mediterranean/Latin restaurant town business types to the counterculture crowd. Not dard Japanese stuff (spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado), from the check-in desks used to be just a lobby exten- (with Asian touches) would be named after a line in a that there’s anything “mere” about the range of food adds typical Latin sabor (jalapeño, cilantro), wraps it all in sion. Now it’s The Bar, which is not just a watering hole 1950s novel about a New England pedophile. But every- served from three Asian nations. Light eaters can snack a flour tortilla, and garnishes it with South of the Border with panoramic views. At lunch it’s an elegant sandwich thing else about this casually stylish spot is easy to on Vietnamese summer rolls or Japanese sushi rolls, heat (spicy snow crab mix)? Miami hasn’t tended to initi- bar; at night it’s a raw bar (with pristine coldwater oys- understand — and easy on the wallet. All entrées cost including an imaginative masago-coated model with ate too many food “firsts,” but this Japanese/Pan-Latin ters) and (best) a tapas bar serving pintxos. That’s just either $18 or $23, a price that includes an appetizer — mango, spicy tuna, and cilantro. For bigger appetites, fusion place is surely one. Intended as the groundbreaker the Basque word for tapas, but as interpreted by Atrio’s no low-rent crapola, either, but treats like Serrano ham there are Thai curries and Vietnamese specialties like of an international chain, this stylish indoor-outdoor chef Michael Gilligan, there’s nothing mere about the gen- croquetas, a spinach/leek tart with Portobello mushroom pho, richly flavored beef soup with meatballs, steak eatery features inventive makis (executed by Hiro Asano, erously portioned small plates. They range from tradition- sauce, or shrimp-topped eggplant timbales. And all slices, rice noodles, and add-in Asian herbs and sprouts. formerly Bond Street’s sushi maestro), plus LatAmer/ al items like cod fish equixada (a zingy bacalao salad) desserts, from tiramisu to mango carpaccio with lemon $$-$$$ Asian small plates and meals like pasilla chile-braised and saffron-sautéed Spanish artichokes to inventive crème, are a bargain $2.50. The best seats in this hip short ribs with wasabi-shiitake grits. Prices are higher inspirations like foie gras and goat cheese-stuffed hangout, housed in the old Firehouse 4, are on the Iron Sushi than at neighborhood sushi spots, but in keeping with empanadas, or Asian-inspired soft-shell crab in airy tem- rooftop patio. $$$ 120 SE 3rd Ave., 305-373-2000 Abokado’s Mary Brickell Village neighbors. $$$$ pura batter. $$$ (See Miami Shores listing) Fresco California Bistro Acqua Blu Pizzeria e Cucina 1744 SW 3rd Ave., 305-858-0608 La Loggia Ristorante and Lounge 1435 Brickell Ave., Four Seasons Hotel 900 S. Miami Ave. (Mary Brickell Village) This festively decorated indoor/outdoor bistro packs a lot 68 W. Flagler St., 305-373-4800, www.laloggia.org 305-381-3190 305-381-8335 of party spirit into a small space, a large variety of food This luxuriantly neo-classical yet warm-feeling Italian Originally an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, this com- www.blurestaurantsgroup.com onto its menu, and a very large amount of informal retro restaurant was unquestionably a pioneer in revitalizing fortably elegant, upscale spot switched chefs in 2006 (to More than a mere pizzeria, this spot sports a super-sleek California-style fusion food onto its plates. To the familiar downtown; when it first opened, eating options in the Patrick Duff, formerly at the Sukhothai in Bangkok), Upper Eastside (of Manhattan) interior. If that’s too formal, Latin American/Italian equation, the owners add a touch courthouse area were basically a variety of hot dog wag- resulting in a complete menu renovation. Thailand’s opt for a casual patio table while you study the menu over of Cal-Mex (like Tex-Mex but more health conscious). ons. With alternatives like amaretto-tinged pumpkin famed sense of culinary balance is now evident through- an order of warm, just-made gnocchetti (zeppole-like bread Menu offerings range from designer pizzas and pastas to agnolloti in sage butter sauce, cilantro-spiced white out the global (though primarily Asian or Latin American- sticks, with prosciutto and savory fontina fondue dip), or custardy tamales, but the bistro’s especially known for bean/vegetable salad dressed with truffle oil, and soufflé inspired) menu, in dishes like yuzu/white soya-dressed creamy-centered suppli alla romana (porcini-studded toma- imaginative meal-size salads, like one featuring mandarin di granchi (crabmeat soufflé atop arugula dressed with salad of shrimp tempura (with watercress, Vidalia onion, to and mozzarella rice croquettes). And don’t worry. The oranges, avocado, apple, blue cheese, raisins, candied honey-mustard vinaigrette), proprietors Jennifer Porciello avocado, pomegranate), a tender pork shank glazed with place looks upscale, but prices of even the fanciest pecans, and chicken on a mesclun bed. $$ and Horatio Oliveira continue to draw a lunch crowd that spicy Szechuan citrus sauce (accompanied by a chorizo- seafood or veal entrées don’t exceed $20. The fare fash- returns for dinner, or perhaps just stays on through the flecked plantain mash), or lunchtime’s rare tuna burger ioned by chef Ricardo Tognozzi (formerly from La Bussola Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market afternoon, fueled by the Lawyer’s Liquid Lunch, a vodka with lively wasabi aioli and wakame salad. For dessert and Oggi) is wide-ranging, but as the name suggests, you 398 NW N. River Dr., 305-375-0765 martini spiked with sweetened espresso. $$$ few chocoholics can resist a buttery-crusted tart filled can’t go wrong with one of the thin-crusted brick-oven piz- Run by a fishing family for a couple of generations, this with sinfully rich warm chocolate custard. $$$$$ zas, whether a traditional margherita or inventive venerable Florida fish shack is the real thing. No worries Continued on page 52

50 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 51 D INING G UIDE Red, White, and You Agreeable wine for $12 or less By Bill Citara just about anything else that comes out of the water), mentioning Sauvignon Blanc, and some of the best val- BT Contributor and still leave enough pennies in your pocket to add a ues of this fish-friendly wine now come from Chile. The couple of more jumbos to the pile. 2007 Natura is very refreshing, with the kind of sharp round about the middle of October, we all start Pinot Grigio may be the best known and most popu- grapefruit-citrus-green-apple acidity that can cut through feeling a little crabby. lar Italian white, but if enough people try Bellini’s the richness of shellfish like lobster and scallops. A 2007 Vernaccia di San Gimignano, all that could Finally there is Pinot Grigio. Not from Italy, We’re still in the meat of hurricane season, and change. This is a lovely wine, made from the though, where too many Pinot Grigios taste as there’s another six long weeks yet to go. The summer’s Vernaccia grape, that balances a delicate acidity washed out as yesterday’s laundry. The 2007 Clos heat and humidity have long since gotten old, and those with a pronounced minerality and crisp citrus, du Bois comes from California, where riper grapes of us who can’t afford to get out of Dodge until the peach and melon flavors. give it a pleasing spice and fruitiness without com- snowbirds begin their annual migration south are feel- And while we’re on the letter V, Portugal’s Vinho promising its essential lemon-lime character and its ing seriously aggrieved. Verde is another lesser-known wine that’s as perfect ability to make nice with our friend the crab. But that’s not why we’re feeling crabby. with stone crab as reservations at Joe’s. The 2007 October 15 is the opening of stone crab season, time again Neblina is characteristic of the varietal, with a pale The Bellini Vernaccia di San Gimignano, to gorge ourselves silly on the ocean-sweet, dense, delicately gold-green color, faint lemon-lime and green apple Neblina Vinho Verde, and Martin Codax flavored meat of Menippe mercenaria, preferably dredged aromas, and a slight spritz and sweetness on the palate. Albariño are all available at Total Wine in North through gallons of creamy mustard sauce and accompanied A little less characteristic is the 2006 Martin Miami for $10.99, $8.99, and $11.99 respec- by a loaf of crusty French bread and simple green salad. Codax Albariño, and that’s a good thing. The typi- tively (14750 Biscayne Blvd., 305-354-3270). And of course, a chilled bottle of light, crisp, refresh- cally lush, floral aromas and flavors of Spain’s pre- The Natura Sauvignon Blanc and Clos du Bois ing white wine. mier white-wine grape are here more restrained; in their Pinot Grigio can be found at most Publix, including To paraphrase the great satiric songwriter Tom place are smoke, Meyer lemon, peach and pear — lean- the Biscayne Commons Publix (14641 Biscayne Lehrer, I have a few modest examples here — some er than most Albariños but still fuller-bodied than acidic Blvd., 305-354-2171) priced at $11.49 and $12. familiar, others perhaps not — but all wines that will wines like Sancerre and Muscadet. play well with South Florida’s favorite crustacean (and Of course, you can’t talk about seafood wines without Feedback: [email protected]

Restaurant Listings traditionalists, but the menu is dominated by creative several generations) are the main draw at this Overtown mussels; a tarte tatin (French apple tart with roasted wal- Nuevo Latino items like a new-style ceviche de chernia institution. But the chicken is also a winner, plus there’s a nuts, served à la mode). Deal alert: An early-bird prix-fixe Continued from page 50 (lightly lime-marinated grouper with jalapeños, basil, and full menu of soul food entrées, including what many afi- menu (5:30-7:30 p.m.) offers soup or salad, entrée, the refreshing sweet counterpoint of watermelon), or cionados consider our town’s tastiest souse. Sides include dessert, and a carafe of wine for $44 per couple. $$$- La Moon crab ravioli with creamy saffron sauce. Especially notable collards, yams, and soft mac and cheese. And it would be $$$$ 144 SW 8th St., 305-860-6209 are entrée salads like the signature Ensalada unthinkable to call it quits without homemade sweet potato At four in the morning, nothing quells the post-clubbing Novecento: skirt steak slices (cooked to order) atop pie or banana pudding, plus a bracing flop – half iced tea, The River Oyster Bar munchies like a Crazy Burger (a heart-stopping Colombian mixed greens coated in rich mustard vinaigrette with a half lemonade. $-$$ 650 S. Miami Ave., 305-530-1915 take on a trucker’s burger: beef patty, bacon, ham, moz- side of housemade fries. $$-$$$ www.therivermiami.com zarella, lettuce, tomato, and a fried egg, with an arepa Perricone’s This casually cool Miami River-area jewel is a full-service corn pancake “bun”) unless it’s a Supermoon perro, a Oceanaire Seafood Room 15 SE 10th St., 305-374-9449, www.perricones.com seafood spot, as evidenced by tempting menu selections similarly overloaded hot dog. For less dainty eaters, 900 S. Miami Ave., 305-372-8862 Housed in a Revolutionary-era barn (moved from like soft-shell crabs with grilled vegetables, corn relish, there’s a bandeja paisa, a mountainous construction con- www.theoceanaire.com Vermont), this market/café was one of the Brickell area’s and remoulade. There are even a few dishes to please taining char-grilled steak, pork belly, pork-enriched beans, With a dozen branches nationwide, Oceanaire may seem first gentrified amenities. At lunch chicken salad (with pig- meat-and-potatoes diners, like short ribs with macaroni rice, plantains, eggs, and arepas. One hardly knows more All-American seafood empire than Florida fish shack. nolias, raisins, apples, and basil) is a favorite; dinner’s and cheese. But oyster fans will still find it difficult to whether to eat it or burrow in to spend the rest of the But while many dishes (including popular sides like bacon- strong suit is the pasta list, ranging from Grandma resist stuffing themselves silly on the unusually large night. While this tiny place’s late hours (till 3:00 a.m. enriched hash browns and fried green tomatoes) are iden- Jennie’s old-fashioned lasagna to chichi fiocchi purses selection of bivalves (often ten varieties per night), espe- Thursday, 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday) are surprising, tical at all Oceanaires, menus vary significantly according filled with fresh pear and gorgonzola. And Sunday’s cially since oysters are served both raw and cooked – the daytime menu is more so. In addition to all the cho- to regional tastes and fish. Here in Miami, chef Sean $15.95 brunch buffet ($9.95 for kids) – featuring an fire-roasted with sofrito butter, chorizo, and manchego. To lesterol-packed Colombian classics, there’s a salad Bernal (formerly at Merrick Park’s Pescado) supplements omelet station, waffles, smoked salmon and bagels, sal- accompany these delights, there’s a thoughtful wine list Nicoise with grilled fresh tuna, seared salmon with mango signature starters like lump crab cakes with his own lightly ads, and more – remains one of our town’s most civilized and numerous artisan beers on tap. $$$ salsa, and other yuppie favorites. $-$$ marinated, Peruvian-style grouper ceviche. The daily-chang- all-you-can-eat deals. $$ ing, 15-20 specimen seafood selection includes local fish Rosa Mexicano Latitude Zero seldom seen on local menus: pompano, parrot fish, Prime Blue Grille 900 S. Miami Ave., 786-425-1001 36 SW 1st St., 305-372-5205 amberjack. But even flown-in fish (and the raw bar’s cold- 315 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-358-5901 www.rosamexicano.com Potted plants are the only sign outside this narrow store- water oysters) are ultra-fresh. $$$$ www.primebluegrille.com A branch of the original Rosa Mexicano that introduced front that the room inside is worlds more charming than This truly 21st-century steakhouse targets today’s health- New Yorkers to real Mexican food (not Tex-Mex) in 1984, standard downtown Latin eateries. This urban oasis is an Pasha’s minded gourmets by serving only certified-organic Brandt this expansive indoor/outdoor space offers a dining expe- artsy little white-tablecloth place (with alternating red 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-416-5116 beef – antibiotic- and hormone-free, as well as dry-aged, rience that’s haute in everything but price. Few entrées tablecloths warming up the feel), but with no-tablecloth The original branch on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road was butchered in-house, and smoke-seared by Prime Blue’s top $20. The décor is both date-worthy and family-friendly prices. While much of the menu is Miami’s generic Latin instantly popular, and the same healthy Middle Eastern intense wood-burning grills and ovens. For noncarnivores, – festive but not kitschy. And nonsophisticates needn’t mix, there ia a separate Ecuadorian section that’s a fast food – made with no trans fats or other nutritional the menu gives equal time to fish, all caught wild, and fear; though nachos aren’t available, there is nothing playlist of that country’s culinary greatest hits. nasties – is served at the three newer outlets. The prices offers dozens of cooked vegetable and salad options, scary about zarape de pato (roast duck between freshly Standouts: encebollado, a centuries-old fishermen’s soup are low enough that one might suspect Pasha’s was con- including build-your-own. There’s also a raw bar and a made, soft corn tortillas, topped with yellow-and- given national individuality by yuca and zingy hits of lime; ceived as a tax write-off rather than a Harvard Business small steak/seafood retail counter. The décor is as mod- habanero-pepper cream sauce), or Rosa’s signature gua- lighter caldo de bola, veggie-packed broth with plantain School project, which it was by founders Antonio Ellek ern as the menu. Instead of the stuffy men’s club look, camole en molcajete, made tableside. A few pomegran- dumplings; and cazuelas, thick layered casseroles of and Nicolas Cortes. Dishes range from common classics you have a soaring, light-hued, open-plan, indoor/outdoor ate margaritas ensure no worries. $$$ mashed plantains and tomato-enriched seafood. No clue? like falafel and gyros to more unusual items like muham- space, with panoramic Miami River view. $$$$ Try a bandera, a mixed plate of Ecuador’s most distinc- mara (tangy walnut spread), silky labneh yogurt cheese, Soya & Pomodoro tive dishes, including shrimp ceviche. $$ and chicken adana kebabs with grilled veggies and aioli Provence Gril 120 NE 1st St., 305-381-9511 sauce. Everything from pitas to lemonade is made fresh, 1001 S. Miami Ave., 305-373-1940 Life is complicated. Food should be simple. That’s owner Novecento from scratch, daily. $-$$ The cozy, terracotta-tiled dining room (and even more Armando Alfano’s philosophy, which is stated above the 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-403-0900 charming outdoor dining terrace) indeed evoke the south entry to his atmospheric downtown eatery. And since it’s www.bistronovecento.com Peoples Bar-B-Que of France. But the menu of French bistro classics covers also the formula for the truest traditional Italian food (Alfano For those who think “Argentine cuisine” is a synonym for 360 NW 8th St., 305-373-8080 all regions, a Greatest Hits of French comfort food: coun- hails from Pompeii), it’s fitting that the menu is dominated “beef and more beef,” this popular eatery’s wide range www.peoplesbarbque.com try-style pâté maison with onion jam, roasted peppers by authentically straightforward yet sophisticated Italian of more cosmopolitan contemporary Argentine fare will Oak-smoked, falling-off-the-bone tender barbecued ribs and cornichons; steak/frites (grilled rib-eye with pepper- be a revelation. Classic parrilla-grilled steaks are here for (enhanced with a secret sauce whose recipe goes back corn cream sauce, fries, and salad); four preparations of Continued on page 53

52 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings like gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes, sweet pea purée, Charcuterie pine nuts, and ricotta salata. But a few seafood sauces 3612 NE 2nd Ave., 305-576-7877 Continued from page 52 Midtown / Design District reflect Asian influences, and tropical Latin touches This Design District old-timer has hung on for close to entrées such as spinach- and ricotta-stuffed crêpes with abound. Some of the most charming dishes are modern- 20 years as the District has gone through its mood béchamel and tomato sauces. There are salads and sand- Adelita’s Café ized American, and done well enough to make you nostal- swings. But it’s no worse for the wear. The wiches, too, including one soy burger to justify the other half 2699 Biscayne Blvd., 305-576-1262 gic for 1985: creamy (but not gunky) lobster bisque, lump upstairs/downstairs space looks good as new, and is of the place’s name. The most enjoyable place to dine is From the street (which is actually NE 26th, not Biscayne) crab cake with fried capers, and a retro arugula salad still almost impossibly cute. The menu, chalked daily on the secret, open-air courtyard, completely hidden from the this Honduran restaurant seems unpromising, but inside it’s with caramelized walnuts, bacon, gorgonzola, fresh a blackboard, still features well more than a dozen typi- street. Alfano serves dinner on Thursdays only to accompa- bigger, better, and busier than it looks. Unlike many Latin berries, and raspberry vinaigrette. $$$$ cal French bistro specials like chicken Dijonaise or ny his “Thursday Night Live” events featuring local musi- American eateries, which serve a multinational mélange, almond-crusted trout in creamy, lemony beurre blanc. cians and artists. $-$$ this one sticks close to the source and proves a crowd- Brosia And the salads, soups, and sandwiches are still, invari- pleaser. On weekends especially, the two casual dining 163 NE 39th St., 305-531-8700 ably, evocative. Rough-cut pâté de campagne, topped Taste of Bombay rooms are packed with families enjoying authentic fare like www.brosiamiami.com with cornichons on a crusty buttered baguette is an 111 NE 3rd Ave. baleadas (thick corn tacos), tajadas (Honduras’s take on The reputation that Arthur Artile amassed after years as instant trip to Paris. Though weekend nighttime hours 305-358-0144 tostones), rich meal-in-a-bowl soups packed with seafood or executive chef at Norman’s and Chispa has made the were instituted several years ago, dinner is an on-again, No surprise that a place called Taste of Bombay would be meat and veggies, and more. To spend ten bucks on a meal Design District’s Brosia an instant hit. The menu is off-again thing, so call first. $$-$$$ an Indian restaurant. And depending mostly on the pre- here, one would have to be a sumo wrestler. $ Mediterranean-inspired, with a few items — like gazpacho dominant nationalities of downtown construction workers Caprese — fusing cuisines, but most retaining regional The Daily Creative Food Co. at any given time, Taste of Bombay has also served Bin No. 18 individuality: Moroccan mussels in curry broth; shrimp 2001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4535 sushi, Philippine, and Chinese food. Best bet, though, is 1800 Biscayne Blvd., 786-235-7575 and clams (with garlic, chorizo, and sherry) that scream While the food formula of this contemporary café is famil- the all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch spread, featuring At this wine bar/café, located on the ground floor of one of “Spain!” The stylish space is a draw, too. Inside, all iar – sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast food, and pas- six changing entrées (a mix of meat, poultry, fish, and midtown’s new mixed-use condo buildings, the décor is a styl- mahogany, leather, and luxuriant intimacy; outside, seat- tries, plus coffee and fruit drinks – a creative concept dif- vegetable curries) plus veggie pakoras, rice, salad, chut- ish mix of contemporary cool (high loft ceilings) and Old World ing on an extensive patio shaded by a canopy of old ferentiates the place. Signature sandwiches are named neys, hot naan bread, and a dessert. The place looks warmth (tables made from old wine barrels). Cuisine is simi- oaks. And the convenient all-day hours (even breakfast) after national and local newspapers (like the Biscayne plain outside, but it’s pleasantly exotic enough inside for larly geared to the area’s new smart, upscale residents: cre- give it the feel of a real neighborhood restaurant. $$$ Times: tuna salad with hummus, cucumber, roasted pep- a bargain business lunch. $$ ative sandwiches and salads at lunch, tapas and larger inter- pers, arugula, and sprouts on multigrain bread), giving nationally themed Spanish, Italian, or French charcuterie plat- Buena Vista Bistro diners something to chat about. For those who’d rather Tobacco Road ters at night. Though the place is small and family-run friendly, 4582 NE 2nd Ave., 305-456-5909 Have It Their Own Way, both sandwiches and salads can 626 S. Miami Ave. Venezuelan-born chef Alfredo Patino’s former executive chef If a neighborhood eatery like this one -- which serves be do-it-yourself projects, with an unusually wide choice of 305-374-1198 gigs at Bizcaya (at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove) and other supremely satisfying Italian, American, and French bistro main ingredients, garnishes, breads, and condiments for www.tobacco-road.com high-profile venues are evident in sophisticated snacks like food -- were within walking distance of every Miami resi- the creatively minded. $ Prohibition-era speakeasy (reputedly a fave of Al Capone), the figciutto, a salad of arugula, gorgonzola dolce, dent, we’d be a helluva hip food town. Located in the inti- gay bar, strip club. Previously all these, this gritty spot caramelized onions, pine nuts, fresh figs, and prosciutto. Free mate space that formerly housed Restaurant A, it’s the Delicias Peruanas has been best known since 1982 as a venue for live parking in a fenced lot behind the building. $$ love child of Quebequoise chef Claude Postel and his wife 2590 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4634 music, primarily blues. But it also offers food from Callie, who runs the front of the house with exuberantly Seafood is the specialty at this pleasant Peruvian spot, lunchtime to late night (on weekends till 4:00 a.m.). The Bleu Moon friendly charm. Like true Parisian bistros, it’s open contin- as it was at the original Delicias, run by members of the kitchen is especially known for its chili, budget-priced 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-373-8188 uously, every day (until midnight!), with prices so low same family, eight blocks north on the Boulevard. There steaks, and burgers, including the mega-mega burger, a Deep inside the Doubletree Grand, this restaurant, which (starters $5-8, entrées $8-15) that one really can drop in are differences here, notably karaoke on weekends - and trucker-style monster topped with said chili plus cheddar, has panoramic Biscayne Bay views and an outdoor deck, anytime for authentic rillettes (a scrumptious spiced meat a kitchen that doesn’t shut down till the wannabe mushrooms, bacon, and a fried egg. There’s also surpris- is one of the few upscale dinner spots near the Arsht spread, like a rustic pâté) with a crusty baguette, steak American Idols shut up, around 2:00 a.m. But the food is ingly elegant fare, though, like a Norwegian salmon club Center for the Performing Arts. The eclectic menu is with from-scratch frites, salmon atop ratatouille, or many as tasty as ever, especially the reliably fresh traditional with lemon aioli. A meat-smoker in back turns out tasty more Mediterranean than anything else, from old-fash- changing blackboard specials. Portions are plentiful. So is ribs, perfect accompaniment to the blues. $$ ioned favorites like lasagna to contemporary creations free parking. And it’s well worth a drive. $$ Continued on page 54

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 53 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings pioneering Lyon Freres gourmet store on pre-gentrified Lemoni Café plates) to encourage frequent visits from light-bite as well Lincoln Road (1992-97), another joint that was exactly 4600 NE 2nd Ave., 305-571-5080 as pig-out diners. Michael’s Genuine also features an Continued from page 53 what its neighborhood needed. The restaurant’s artisan The menu here reads like your standard sandwiches/sal- eclectic and affordable wine list, and a full bar, with cut-rate ceviches, and for those who like their fish tangy but salumi, cheeses, flavorful boutique olive oils, and more ads/starters primer. What it doesn’t convey is the weekday happy hour cocktails. $$-$$$$ cooked, a mammoth jalea platter (lightly breaded, fried on the ingredient-driven menu are so outstanding that sparkling freshness of the ingredients and the care that seafood under a blanket of marinated onions - the fish one can’t help wishing this restaurant also had a retail goes into constructing these mostly healthy snacks. Mike’s at Venetia and chips of your dreams). As for nonseafood stuff, no component. Well, maybe later. Meanwhile console your- Entrée-size salads range from an elegant spinach salad 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor, 305-374-5731 one who doesn’t already know that Peru practically invent- self with the sort of salamis and formaggi you’ll never (with goat cheese, pears, walnuts, and raisins) to chunky www.mikesvenetia.com ed fusion cuisine (in the 1800s) will doubt, after sampling find in the supermarket (as well as rare finds like culatel- homemade chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens – a There’s no sign out front, but this family-owned Irish two traditional noodle dishes: tallerin saltado (Chinese- lo – prosciutto royalty), including a mixed antipasto hefty helping of protein without typical deli-style mayo pub, on the pool deck of a waterfront condo building Peruvian beef or chicken lo mein) or tallerin verde (Ital- esplosione that would feed Rhode Island. Entrées overload. Sandwiches (cold baguette subs, hot pressed across from the Miami Herald, for more than 15 years Latin noodles with pesto and steak). $$ include properly al dente pastas, plus some regional paninis, or wraps, all accompanied by side salads) has been a popular lunch and dinner hang-out for local specialties like Venetian-style calves liver, rarely found include a respectable Cuban, but the deceptively rich-tast- journalists – and others who appreciate honest cheap Domo Japones outside Italy. $$$ ing light salad cream that dresses a veggie wrap might eats and drinks (not to mention a billiard table and 17 4000 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-5474 tempt even hardcore cholesterol fans to stick with the TV screens). Regulars know daily specials are the way www.domojapones.com Grass sprouts. $-$$ to go. Depending on the day, fish, churrasco, or roast Thin-sliced, white-fish usuzukuri sashimi garnished with 28 NE 40th St. turkey with all the trimmings are all prepared fresh. Big sea salt and blood orange sauce; a scallop sushi roll fla- 305-573-3355 Lost & Found Saloon burgers and steak dinners are always good, and happy vored with truffle oil and cured plum; miso-glazed black After a couple of years in hiatus, this Design District 185 NW 36th St., 305-576-1008 hour appetizers (like meaty Buffalo wings) are always cod. If the fare at Domo Japones, housed in the romanti- restolounge has reopened in the same outdoor courtyard www.thelostandfoundsaloon-miami.com half-price. Additionally, a limited late-night menu pro- cally renovated old Buena Vista post office, sounds space. What’s new: “MediterAsian” chef Michael Jacobs There’s an artsy/alternative feel to this casual and friend- vides pizza, wings, ribs, and salad till 3:00 a.m. $-$$ unusually inventive and trendy, there’s a logical explana- and a menu that travels beyond pan-Asian and ly Wynwood eatery, which, since opening as a weekday- tion: Chefs Nao Higuchi and Timon Balloo are Nobu and Mediterranean influences into the Americas. Entrées only breakfast and lunch joint in 2005, has grown with its Orange Café + Art SushiSamba veterans, and owner Amir Ben-Zion part- range from lowbrow comfort food (cunningly reinvented neighborhood. It’s now open for dinner six nights a week, 2 NE 40th St., 305-571-4070 nered in Bond Street. Harder to explain are maki combi- mini pot pies) to high-status extravagance (stone-seared, serving Southwestern-style fare at rock-bottom prices. The paintings hanging in this tiny, glass-enclosed café are nations like shrimp and prosciutto with pineapple ginger authentic Kobe steak). For healthy grazers, raw-bar selec- Dishes like piñon and pepita-crusted salmon, chipotle- for sale. And for those who don’t have thousands of dollars sauce, or prices more South Beach than Biscayne tions include ceviches and a large seafood platter (lob- drizzled endive stuffed with lump crab, or customizable to shell out for the local art on the walls, less than ten Corridor. But sushi till midnight Thursday through ster, shrimp, and lump crab with housemade dipping tacos average $5-$8. Also available: big breakfasts and bucks will get you art on a plate, including a Picasso: chori- Saturday (11:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday) is a major sauces). There’s also a snack menu (pristine coldwater salads, hearty soups, housemade pastries like lemon- zo, prosciutto, manchego cheese, baby spinach, and basil neighborhood upgrade. $$$$ oysters, a crab salad timbale, parmesan-truffle shoe- crusted wild berry pie, and a hip beer and wine list. $ on a crusty baguette. Other artfully named and crafted edi- string fries, mini-Kobe burgers) served till the wee hours, bles include salads, daily soups, several pastas (like the 18th Street Café providing a welcome alternative to the Boulevard’s fast Maino Churrascaria Matisse, fiocchi pouches filled with pears and cheese), and 210 NE 18th St., 305-381-8006 food chains. $$-$$$$$ 2201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-571-9044 house-baked pastries. $ www.18thstreetcafe.com This very upscale Brazilian steakhouse has all the fea- Most of the seating in this cool little breakfast/lunch room is Kafa Café tures one expects at a rodizio-style restaurant, including Out of the Blue Café in a sort of giant bay window, backed with banquettes, that 3535 NE 2nd Ave., 305-438-0114 all-you-can-eat meats carved tableside and a lavish buffet 2426 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-3800 makes the space feel expansively light-filled, and quite nicely www.kafamidtown.com of salads, sides, salumi, and hot prepared dishes. What www.outofthebluecafe.net gentrifies its whole evolving Midtown block. This pioneering Opened in late 2007 by a brother/sister team (both origi- sets Maino apart from typical rodizio palaces is its family- Forget impersonal chain coffeehouses. This artist-friendly, place deserves to survive, even if just considering the roast nally from Ethiopia, via San Francisco), this breakfast/lunch run feel, intimate rather than intimidating, plus its atten- independent neighborhood café serves a full selection of beef sandwich with creamy horseradish – an inspired classic spot is located in the casually stylish indoor/outdoor multi- tion to every detail (immediately obvious in the classy rus- coffee drinks made with the award-winning beans of combination that makes one wonder why more places in this roomed Midtown space formerly housing Uva and Stop tic/elegant décor, highlighted by striking onyx accents -- Intelligentsia, a roasting company that works directly with town don’t serve it. (We’ll debate later.) Other culinary high- Miami. Nothing on the menu tops $8, and portions feed an bars, tabletops, and more). While it’s rare at most rodizio artisan growers to encourage sustainable agriculture – lights of the classic “Six S” repertoire (soups, sandwiches, army (or several starving artists). Signature item is the for- joints to get meat done less than medium, Maino’s eager- and one helluva good cup of java. Also served: breakfast salads, sweets, smoothies, specials) might include a midable Kafa Potato Platter -- a mountain of wondrously tex- to-please servers here are happy to convey custom-cook- and lunch sandwiches, imaginative salads, soups, home- turkey/pear/cheddar melt sandwich, and really sinful marsh- tured home fries mixed with bacon, ham, peppers, onion, ing preferences to the kitchen -- and they’re English-speak- made pastries and creamy fresh-fruit smoothies. With mallow-topped brownies. $ and cheese; eggs (any style), fresh fruit, and bread accom- ing, too. One other welcome difference: As well as the tables, sofas, and lounge chairs inside an old Midtown pany. Lunch’s burgers, salads, and overstuffed sandwiches one-price (hefty) feast, there are à la carte starters and house, plus free wireless Internet access, the space is Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries (like the roast beef supreme, a melt with sautéed mush- pastas for lighter eaters and noncarnivores, and some also just a pleasant place to hang out. Owner Carmen 3401 N. Miami Ave. (Shops at Midtown), 305-571-8345 rooms, onion, sour cream, and cheddar on sourdough) lunch specials. Free parking, too. $$-$$$$$ Miranda (real name) says beer and wine will soon be www.fiveguys.com come with homemade soup or other sides, plus fruit. Not available. $ Like the West Coast’s legendary In-N-Out Burger chain, this full yet? The pair plans expanded night hours with an Mario the Baker East Coast challenger serves no green-leaf faux health food. authentic Ethiopian menu, pending wine/beer license 250 NE 25th St., 305-438-0228 Pacific Time You get what the name says, period, with three adds: kosher approval. $ (See North Miami listing) 35 NE 40th St., 305-722-7369 dogs, veggie burgers, and free peanuts while you wait. Which www.pacifictimemiami.com you will, just a bit, since burgers are made fresh upon order, Latin Café 2000 Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink Everyone knows Jonathan Eismann’s original, now- not steam-tabled. Available in double or one-patty sizes, 2501 Biscayne Blvd. 130 NE 40th St., 305-573-5550 defunct Pacific Time, for many years Lincoln Road’s they’re well-done but spurtingly juicy, and after loading with 305-576-3838 Long-awaited and an instant smash hit, this truly neighbor- only serious contemporary restaurant. The question is: your choice of 15 free garnishes, even a “little” burger makes www.latincafe2000.com hood-oriented restaurant from Michael Schwartz, founding How different is its new incarnation? Very, and it’s all a major meal. Fries (regular or Cajun-spiced) are also superior, The menu is similar to that at many of our town’s Latin chef of Nemo’s in South Beach, offers down-to-earth fun good, starting with far superior acoustics (no more hand-cut in-house from sourced potatoes; a changing sign cafés, largely classic Cuban entrées and sandwiches, food in a comfortable, casually stylish indoor/outdoor set- voice-shredding conversations!), an admirably green reports the spuds’ point of origin. $ with a smattering of touches from elsewhere in Latin ting. Fresh, organic ingredients are emphasized, but dishes ecological policy, and a neighborhood-friendly attitude America, such as a Peruvian jalea mixta (marinated mixed range from cutting-edge (crispy beef cheeks with whipped (including kid-oriented dishes, plus continuous service Fratelli Lyon seafood), or paella Valenciana from Spain, which many celeriac, celery salad, and chocolate reduction) to simple of inventive small plates and bar snacks). The food is 4141 NE 2nd Ave., 305-572-2901 Miami eateries consider a Latin country. What justifies comfort food: deviled eggs, homemade potato chips with also more intriguing – simultaneously complexly refined www.fratellilyon.com the new millennium moniker is the more modern, yuppi- pan-fried onion dip, or a whole wood-roasted chicken. and accessibly clean. While the addition of This Italian café has been packed since the moment it fied/yucafied ambiance, encouraged by an expansive, There’s also a broad range of prices and portion sizes ($4- opened. No surprise to any who recall owner Ken Lyon’s rustic wooden deck. Delivery is now available. $$ $8 for snacks and small plates to $24-$39 for extra-large Continued on page 55

54 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Sheba in 2006, locals have basically had to intuit its presence – welcome, and family-friendly French home cooking, is the 4029 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-1819 way in back, past a guard desk and an elevator bank, antidote. No fancy food (or fancy prices) here, just classic Continued from page 54 www.shebamiami.com behind an unmarked door. Once there, diners discover an comfort food like onion soup, escargot, daily fresh oys- Mediterranean influences to PT’s former Pacific Rim Combining contemporary Design District chic with tradi- extensive pan-Latin menu of breakfast food, salads, sub- ters, boeuf bourguignon (think Ultimate Pot Roast), menu may sound confusing on paper, trust us: A meal tional African craft (from its adjacent art gallery), Sheba’s stantial meat and fish entrées, homemade pastas and Nicoise salad, quiche, and homemade crème brûlée. A that includes a butter-grilled asparagus with prosciutto, spacious setting is a soothing place to discover the exot- soups, desserts, and sandwiches, including Uruguay’s respectable beer and wine list is a welcome addition, as soft-cooked egg Milanese, and preserved lemon; plus ic offerings of Miami’s only Ethiopian eatery. Once diners famed chivito, sometimes called “a heart attack on a is the housemade sangria. Top price for entrées is about an Asian-accented creamy corn/leek soup with Peeky adjust to eating with their hands (using inerja, the sour- bun”: beef, bacon, ham, eggs, mozzarella, plus sautéed $14. $-$$ Toe crab dumplings, coriander, and mustard oil makes dough crepes accompanying entrées, as a utensil), the mushrooms and red peppers. And naturally, from the perfect sense on the tongue. $$-$$$$ food is quite accessible. Both wats (meat and poultry rotisserie, there’s the zignature zuper chicken. $-$$ Canela stews) and tibs (sautéed dishes incorporating the familiar 5132 Biscayne Blvd., 305-756-3930 Pasha’s multicultural “holy trinity” of onions, tomatoes, and pep- When this atmospheric little neighborhood oasis opened, 3801 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-0201 pers) tend, like Cuban cuisine, to be spiced with complex- Upper Eastside the formula was Cuban cooking at lunch, Catalan tapas (See Brickell/Downtown listing) ity, not fire. A Best of the Best platter for two enables din- at night. The menu is now more uniform: contemporary ers to sample most of the menu. $$$ Andiamo Spanish and pan-Latin tapas, sandwiches, salads, sides, Pizzafiore 5600 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-5751 and entrées at all hours, just a far more elaborate selec- 2905 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-0900 S & S Diner www.andiamopizza.com tion at night. The tapas list is especially impressive, with Those seeking dainty designer pizzas can fuhgeddaboudit 1757 NE 2nd Ave., 305-373-4291 Sharing a building with a long-established Morningside all the usual Hispanic meat and cheese favorites but also here. At this New York-style pizzeria (which has roughly Some things never change, or so it seems at this diner, car wash, Andiamo is also part of Mark Soyka’s 55th an unusually large selection of seafood and vegetarian the same menu as North Beach’s original Pizzafiore, but which is so classic it verges on cliché. Open since 1938, Street Station – which means ditching the car (in the items such as espinaca à la catalaña (spinach sautéed independent ownership), it’s all about heftiness. A spe- it’s still popular enough that people line up on Saturday complex’s free lot across the road on NE 4th Court) is no with pine nuts and raisins). Must-not-miss items include cial slice/soda deal features two pizza triangles bigger morning, waiting for a seat at the horseshoe-shaped problem even if you’re not getting your vehicle cleaned ultra-creamy croquetas (ham, cheese, chicken, spinach, than most Miami mini-skirts. Whole pies come medium counter (there are no tables) and enormous breakfasts: while consuming the brick-oven pies (from a flaming open or bacalao), grilled asparagus with aioli, and habit-forming (large), large (huge), and extra-large (think truck tire). And corned beef hash or crab cakes and eggs with grits; fluffy oven) that are this popular pizzeria’s specialty. Choices Brazilian cheese bread. $-$$$ with fully loaded pizzas like the Supreme Meat Lover pancakes; homemade biscuits with gravy and Georgia range from the simple namesake Andiamo (actually a priced only a few bucks more than a basic tomato/ sausage – everything from oatmeal to eggs Benedict, all Margherita) to the Godfather, a major meat monster. Captain Crab’s Take-Away cheese, it pays to think big about toppings too. Other in mountainous portions. The lunch menu is a roll call of Extra toppings like arugula and goat cheese enable din- 1100 NE 79th St., 305-754-2722 Italian-American fare is also available, notably pastas and the usual suspects, but most regulars ignore the menu ers to create their own designer pies. Also available are The drive-through window says “fast food,” and so do subs. $-$$ and go for the daily blackboard specials. $-$$ salads and panini plus reasonably priced wines and this long-lived seafood shack’s low prices. And indeed beers (including a few unusually sophisticated selections there are three Captain Crab’s Take-Aways (the others Primo’s Tony Chan’s Water Club like Belgium’s Hoegaarden). $$ are in Carol City and Fort Lauderdale), all related to 1717 N. Bayshore Dr. 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-374-8888 the sit-down Crab House restaurants. But there the 305-371-9055 The décor at this upscale place, located in the Grand, a Boteco resemblance to McFauxFood ends. For about the price Relatively few people except hotel guests and condo huge bayside condo/resort hotel, looks far too glitzy to 916 NE 79th St., 305-757-7735 of a bucket of the Colonel’s chicken you can get a residents are familiar with the Grand’s restaurants serve anything but politely Americanized Chinese food. This strip of 79th Street, formerly known for its live bait bucket of the Captain’s savory garlic crabs. The King’s (except for Tony Chan’s). The imposing, cavernous The presentation is indeed elegant, but the American and auto repair shops, is rapidly becoming a cool alt-cul- burger meal or the Captain’s similarly priced fried (or lobby just doesn’t have that “do drop in” locals’ hang- dumbing-down is minimal. Many dishes are far more ture enclave thanks to inviting hangouts like this rustic garlic boiled or New Orleans-spiced) shrimp meal? No out vibe. But this lively Italian spot is actually a great authentic and skillfully prepared than those found else- indoor/outdoor Brazilian restaurant and bar. Especially contest. Also popular: crab cakes and conch (fried or addition to the neighborhood. The pizzas alone – brick- where in Miami, like delicate but flavorful yu pan quail bustling on nights featuring live music, it’s even more in fritters and chowder). For fish haters, spicy or garlic oven specimens with toppings ranging from classic (minced with mushrooms in lettuce cups). Moist sea fun on Sundays, when the fenced backyard hosts an chicken wings are an option; for kids, cut-price “first pepperoni to trendy prosciutto/arugula – would be draw bass fillet has a beautifully balanced topping of scallion, informal fair and the menu includes Brazil’s national mate” meals. $-$$ enough. But pastas are also planned to please: diners’ ginger, cilantro, and subtly sweet/salty sauce. And Peking dish, feijoada, a savory stew of beans plus fresh and choice of starch, with mix-and-match sauces and duck is served as three traditional courses: crêpe- cured meats. But the everyday menu, ranging from Casa Toscana extras. And the price is right, with few entrées (whether wrapped crispy skin, meat sautéed with crisp veggies, unique, tapas-like pasteis (shrimp and hearts of palm- 7001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-3353 traditional veal piccata or seared ahi tuna) topping savory soup to finish. $$$-$$$$ stuffed turnovers) to hefty Brazilian entrées, is also www.casatoscanamiami.com $20. The capper: It’s open past midnight every day but appealing – and budget-priced. $$ Tuscan-born chef/owner Sandra Stefani cooked at Sunday. $$ W Wine Bistro Norman’s (and briefly ran the Indian Creek Hotel’s restau- 3622 NE 2nd Ave., 305-576-7775 The Boutique Kitchen rant) before opening this Upper Eastside jewel, a wine mar- Sake Room Both bistro and retail wine shop, this Design District spot 6815 Biscayne Blvd., 305-756-0089 ket/eatery whose 30 original seats have been supplement- 275 NE 18th St. is run by Florent Blanchet, an energetic young Frenchman What the sure-handed sensibilities of Haitian-American ed by a wine room/garden for tasting events and private 305-755-0122 who was previously a wine distributor. His former gig led chef/owner Jean Sebastien (whose culinary training dining. Stefani travels regularly to Italy to find exciting, limit- www.sakeroom.com to connections that mean if wine lovers don’t find the bot- came from notable NYC fine-dining restaurants) does to ed-production wines and inspiration for truly Tuscan-tasting Sake takes a back seat to sushi – and sophisticated tle they want in W’s selection of roughly 200-labels his menu’s basic dishes raises them to new heights, daily special dishes with honest, authentic flavors, such as décor – at this small but sleek restolounge, which (which emphasizes boutique and organic growers), while keeping them comfortingly homey. Melt-in-your- grilled wild boar sausages with lentil croquettes. Favorites offers South Beach sophistication without the prices Blanchet can probably get it within 24 hours. Food is mouth oxtail comes with gently herbed polenta and that show up often on the menu include pear and ricotta or attitude, thanks to charming proprietor Mario Cicilia. sophisticated light bites like a shrimp club sandwich with thyme-spiked honey dressing; an equally slow-cooked raviolini with sage butter sauce, grilled eggplant slices rolled Among the seafood offerings, you won’t find exotica or pancetta and sun-dried tomato aioli; smoked duck salad roast pork sandwich is elevated by horseradish mayo around herbed goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and a local catches, but all the usual sushi/sashimi with goat cheese croutons and a poached egg; and and impeccable housemade slaw. And as for desserts: light ricotta tart with lemon and rosemary. $$$ favorites are here, but in more interesting form, chocolate fondant. At night there are tapas. $-$$ one bite of the peach cobbler, made by the chef’s thanks to sauces that go beyond standard soy – spicy dynamic co-owner/mom Evelyne, almost makes one feel Che Sopranos sriracha, garlic/ponzu oil, and many more. Especially Zuperpollo Biztro Reztocafe sorry for the Starbucks at the other end of this little 7251 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8282 recommended: the yuzu hamachi roll (chopped Pacific 3050 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-8485 shopping strip. $-$$ This branch of a Miami Beach Italian/Argentine pizzeria, yellowtail with scallions, sesame, roe, citrusy dressing, www.zuperpollo.com housed in a charming bungalow and featuring a breezy and refreshing shiso leaf), the lobster tempura maki Occasionally there’s a sign out front of the office building Le Café patio, covers multicultural bases. If the Old World Rucola (with veggies, chive oil, and an oddly wonderful tomato housing this bistro, indicating that a branch of the popu- 7295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-6551 pizza (a classic Margherita topped with arugula, prosciutto, sauce), and panko-coated spicy shrimp with hot-and- lar Uruguayan eatery Zuperpollo (on Coral Way, since For anyone who can’t get over thinking of French food as sour mayo and a salad. $$-$$$ 1986) is within. Otherwise, since the restaurant opened intimidating or pretentious, this cute café with a warm Continued on page 56

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 55 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings East Side Pizza eaters, there are wraps and salads with a large, interest- homey restaurant in an emerging (but far from fully gentrified) 731 NE 79th St., 305-758-5351 ing choice of dressings. Food is available à la carte or neighborhood. Just be glad she did, as you dine on white Continued from page 55 Minestrone, sure. But a pizzeria menu with carrot ginger grouped in multimeal plans customized for individual almond gazpacho or impossibly creamy ham and blue soup? Similarly many Italian-American pizzerias offer diner’s nutritional needs. $$ cheese croquetas. Though most full entrées also come in and shredded parmesan) doesn’t do the trick, the New entrées like spaghetti and meatballs, but East Side also half-size portions (at almost halved prices), the tab can add World Especial (a Latin pie with hearts of palm and boiled has pumpkin ravioli in brown butter/sage sauce, wild Hiro’s Sushi Express up fast. Table-to-table conversations about the food are com- eggs) just might. Also available are pastas, salads, sand- mushroom ravioli, and other surprisingly upscale choic- 5140 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-0914 mon, something that only happens at exciting, if not flaw- wiches, dinner entrées (eggplant parmigiana with spaghetti, es. The East Side Salad includes goat cheese, walnuts, (See North Miami Beach listing) less, restaurants. And at this one, the star herself is usually lomito steak with Argentinean potato salad), and desserts and cranberries; quaffs include imported Peroni beer. As in the kitchen. Parking in the rear off 69th Street. $$$-$$$$ (tiramisu or flan). $ for the pizza, they are classic pies, available whole or by Jimmy’s East Side Diner the slice, made with fresh plum tomato sauce and 7201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-3692 Moonchine Chef Creole Grande mozzarella (considered the top American pizza Open for more than 30 years, Jimmy’s respects the most 7100 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3999 200 NW 54th St, 305-754-2223 cheese). Best seating for eating is at the sheltered out- important American diner tradition: Breakfast at any hour. Like its Brickell-area older sibling Indochine, this friendly Sparkling fresh Creole-style food is the star at chef/owner door picnic tables. $ Admittedly the place closes at 4:00 p.m., but still. There indoor/outdoor Asian bistro serves stylish fare from Wilkinson Sejour’s two tiny but wildly popular establish- are blueberry hot cakes and pecan waffles for sweet-tooth three nations: Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Menus are ments. While some meatier Haitian classics like griot Garden of Eatin’ eaters; eggs any style, including omelets and open-face also similar, split between traditional dishes like pad (fried pork chunks) and oxtail stew are also available – 136 NW 62nd St., 305-754-8050 frittatas for those preferring savories; and a full range of Thai and East/West fusion creations like the Vampire and a $3.99 roast chicken special is a hard deal to resist Low profile would be an understatement for this place. sides: biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, hash, hash sushi roll (shrimp tempura, tomato, cilantro, roasted gar- – the glistening fish display that greets diners as they Housed in a yellow building that’s tucked in back of a browns, even hot oatmeal. Also available are traditional lic). But the café also carves out its own identity with walk in makes it clear that seafood is the specialty here: parking lot behind a small grocery store, it’s nearly invisi- diner entrées (meat loaf, roast turkey, liver and onions), original creations, including yellow curry-spiced crevette en sauce (steamed shrimp with Creole butter ble from the street. Inside, though, it has the comfortable plus burgers, salad platters, and homemade chicken Moonchine fried rice or Popeye’s Salad (spicy tuna, avo- sauce), lambi fri (a mountain of perfectly tenderized fried feel of a beach bar, and generous servings of inexpensive soup. $-$$ cado, spinach, masago roe, sesame seeds, and a conch), poisson gros sel (local snapper in a spicy butter Afro-Caribbean vegan food. Rastafari owner Immanuel scrumptious sweet/hot kimchee dressing). Nearly every- sauce), garlic or Creole crabs. Note for ambiance-seek- Tafari cooks up meat and dairy-free specials, like Karma thing is low in sodium, fat, and calories – except ers: The Miami branch has outdoor tiki-hut dining; North Jamaican pumpkin/chayote stew in coconut milk, that 7010 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-1392 desserts (notably the chocolate bomb). There’s also an Miami’s outlet, a former Carvel, has the same food but depend on what looks good at that morning’s produce A real car wash with meticulous detailing takes time. But impressive sake list, too. Coming soon: a large rear lacks the tropical charm. $-$$ market. Large or small plates, with salad and fried sweet killing an hour is a pleasure at this stylish car patio for dining and entertainment. $$-$$$ plantains (plus free soup for eat-in lunchers), are served wash/tapas bar, where the elegant light fare occasionally Dogma Grill for five or seven bucks. Also available are snacks like even outshines the hand-washed automobiles. Moshi Moshi 7030 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3433 vegetarian blue corn tacos, desserts like sweet potato Vegetarians do especially well, with crusty baguette sand- 7232 Biscayne Blvd., 786-220-9404 www.dogmagrill.com pie, and a breakfast menu featuring organic blueberry wich combos like brie, walnuts, and honey, or another “Spruced up” is a supreme understatement for the What could induce downtown businessmen to drive to waffles with soy sausage patties. $ featuring grilled artichokes and buttery St. Andre cheese. space, formerly the Haitian hole-in-the-wall Fidele. Now a the Upper Eastside to eat at a few outdoor-only tables Lower carb items range from an imported olive assort- boutique Japanese eatery, this younger sibling of South just feet from the busy Boulevard? From the day it Gourmet Station ment to an antipasto platter with Spanish Cantimpalo Beach old-timer Moshi Moshi is a cross between a opened, people have been lining up, even in summer’s 7601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-7229 chorizo, manchego cheese, and garbanzos. There are sushi bar and an izakaya (Japanese tapas bar). Even sweltering heat, for this stand’s sauce-garnished, all- Home-meal replacement, geared to workaholics with no breakfast and dessert pastries too. Beverages include more striking than the hip décor is the food’s unusually beef, soy veggie, turkey, and chicken hot dogs. The 22 time to cook, has been trendy for years. But the Gourmet organic coffee and soy chai lattes, as well as wines and upscale quality. But this isn’t surprising given the own- varieties range from simple (the Classic, with ketchup, Station has outlasted most of the competition. Main rea- an extensive beer list featuring Belgian brewskis. On ers’ previous work: Toshi Furihata and Hiro Terada were relish, and chopped onion) to the elaborate (the son: deceptive healthiness. These are meals that are Thursday nights the car wash transforms into a chic executive chefs at SushiSamba and Doraku; Yani Yuhara Athens, topped with a Greek salad, including extra-vir- good for you, yet taste good enough to be bad for you. lounge until 2:00 a.m. $-$$ is an ex-Benihana manager. Sushi ranges from pristine gin olive oil dressing) to near-unbelievable combina- Favorite items include precision-grilled salmon with lemon- plain individual nigiri (all the usuals plus rarer finds like tions like the VIP, which includes parmesan cheese and dill yogurt sauce, and lean turkey meatloaf with home- Kingdom toro) to over-the-top maki rolls like the signature Moshi crushed pineapple. $ made BBQ sauce – sin-free comfort food. For lighter 6708 Biscayne Blvd., 305-757-0074 Moshi (tuna, white tuna, salmon, avocado, masago, This newly renovated, indoor/outdoor sports bar serves tempura flakes, spicy mayo). Tapas also go beyond low-priced but high-quality steaks, plus more typical bar standards like edamame to intriguing dishes like arabiki food that’s actually far from the usual premade, sausage, a sweet-savory pork fingerling frank with a processed stuff. Philly cheese steak sandwiches, big superior pop/spurt factor; rarely found in restaurants enough for two, are made from hand-sliced rib eye; sides even in Japan, they’re popular Japanese home-cooking include fries and beer-battered onion rings, but also light- items. And rice-based plates like Japanese curry (richly lemony sautéed spinach. And the burgers rule, particu- er/sweeter than Indian types) satisfy even the biggest larly the Doomsday, a cheese/ bacon/mushroom-topped appetites. $-$$$ two-pound monster that turns dinner into a competitive sport. But even the smallest Queenburger (a half-pounder One Ninety that’s no sissy) is a perfectly seasoned contender. No 26 NE 54th St., 305-758-7085 hard liquor, but the beer list makes up for it. $$ www.oneninetyrestaurant.com When the original One Ninety, a hip Nuevo Hippie hangout Luna Café in residential Buena Vista, closed because of rent increas- 4770 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-5862 es in 2004, loyal patrons from all walks of life mourned the www.lunacafemidtown.com loss. In its new Little Haiti location, the space is much The ground floor of the Wachovia Bank building may not smaller but the loose vibe is the same, as are the eclectic seem a particularly evocative locale for an Italian eatery, live bands and some old food favorites: bacalao cake with but once inside, the charming décor and the staff’s ebul- onion, cuke, and tomato salad with lemony aioli sauce; lient welcome indeed are reminiscent of a café in Italy. ricotta-walnut agnolotti with butter and sage; and chef Alan The kitchen’s outstanding feature is a brick oven, which Hughes’s unique black-pepper-spiked white chocolate turns out designer pizzas (greater in variety, lesser in cost mousse (now presented as one of a five-item chocolate on the lunch menu, in effect till 4:30 p.m.) and crisp- medley). $$-$$$ skinned roast chickens. Otherwise the menu holds few surprises – except the prices, surprisingly low for such a Pineapple Blossom Tea Room stylish place. No dish exceeds $22. $$-$$$ 8214 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8328 www.pineappleblossom.com The Lunch Room The interior of this pineapple-yellow building is a soothing 7957 NE 2nd Ave., 305-722-0759 oasis offering traditional full English tea service – or a Hidden in Little Haiti, this Thai/Japanese spot, which more zingy tropical fruit-flavored Caribbean variation. opened in 2005, remains one of the Upper Eastside’s Whether your chosen brew is steaming Earl Grey or pineap- best-kept secrets. But chef Michelle Bernstein (of ple-mint iced tea, the scones (with thick cream and jam), Michy’s) and other knowledgeable diners wander over tea cakes, cookies, and desserts, are hometown treats. from the Boulevard for simple but perfect pad Thai, chili Owner Frances Brown is a pastry chef. There’s more sub- grouper (lightly battered fillets in a mouthwatering stantial fare, too. Innovative wraps like Caribbean shrimp tangy/sweet/hot sauce), silky Asian eggplant slices in salad with tropical fruit salsa; salads such as warm goat Thai basil sauce, and other remarkably low-priced special- cheese with fresh greens, tomatoes, dried cranberries, and ties of Matilda Apirukpinyo, who operated a critically candied cashews. Also offered are tempting take-out bas- acclaimed South Beach Thai eatery in the 1990s. Though kets like the Tea for Two (with tea, jam, scones, and cook- the casually cute indoor/outdoor place is only open for ies), great for gifts or for at-home teas. $-$$ weekday lunches, “cantina” dinners can be ordered and picked up after hours. $ Red Light 7700 Biscayne Blvd., 305-757-7773 Michy’s Only in Miami: From the rustic al fresco deck of chef Kris 6927 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-2001 Wessel’s intentionally downwardly mobile retro-cool river- Don’t even ask why Michele Bernstein, with a résumé that front restaurant, located in a refurbished old motel, you includes top-chef gigs at upscale eateries like Azul, not to mention regular Food Network appearances, opened a Continued on page 57

56 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings tempura-battered rock shrimp atop chayote slaw, elegant into a square box, then cut into lovely one-bite sandwich Sushi Siam sandwiches like the Franco-Cuban Le Habanero (pulled squares. While raw fish is always impeccable here, some 1524 NE 79th St. Causeway Continued from page 56 pork, imported French ham, pepper jack, cornichons, and unusual vegetarian sushi creations also tempt, as do 305-864-7638 can enjoy regional wildlife like manatees (Florida’s own Dijon mustard on a housemade baguette), and a night- daily entrées, like curried beef stew, that typify Japanese (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) half mammal/half meatloaf) while enjoying eclectic time tapas menu. $$-$$$ home cooking. $ regional dishes that range from cutting-edge (sour-orange- marinated, sous-vide-cooked Florida lobster with sweet Ver-Daddys Taco Shop Mario the Baker NORTH BEACH corn sauce) to comfort (crispy-breaded Old South fried 7501 Biscayne Blvd. 1700 79th St. Causeway green tomatoes). The menu is limited, which makes 305-303-9755 305-867-7882 Ariston sense with a chef-driven place; and it changes daily, At this soulful taco shop, the menu descriptions are in (See North Miami listing) 940 71st St., 305-864-9848 which also makes sense at an ingredient-driven place. common English (“cinnamon puffs” drizzled with honey It took a Greek place (Ouzo’s, which moved to bigger But several signature specialties, if they’re available, are and lime, not “buñuelos”). But taco fillings range from the Oggi Caffe SoBe quarters in 2007) to break the curse of this former not to be missed: BBQ shrimp in a tangy Worcestershire commonplace (ground beef, shredded chicken) to more 1666 79th St. Causeway restaurant jinx location. And Ariston continues the lucky and cayenne-spiked butter/wine sauce, irresistible mini unusual pork in chili verde, fried potato, or Baja battered 305-866-1238 streak with classical Greek cuisine based on recipes of conch fritters, and homemade ice cream. $$-$$$ fish (authentically garnished with Mexican crema and www.oggicaffe.com co-owner Thanasis Barlos’s mom Noni Barlou, and exe- cilantro-spiked cabbage). And all offerings can be loaded This cozy, romantic spot started back in 1989 as a cuted by CIA-trained chef Alexia Apostolidis. Skip the Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus with other garnishes from the kitchen (refried beans, pasta factory (supplying numerous high-profile restau- menu’s puzzling Italianesque and generic Euro-American 1085 NE 79th St., 305-754-8002 cheese, crema) or less perishable offerings from a salsa rants) as well as a neighborhood eatery. And the wide selections and concentrate on authentic treats like the With Christmas lights perpetually twinkling and party bar. For the heath-minded, oils are nonhydrogenated, and range of budget-friendly, homemade pastas, made daily, lightest, most savory whipped tarama (caviar spread) noises emanating from a new outdoor biergarten, this sauces/seasonings are all housemade and free of remains the main draw for its large and loyal clientele. west of Athens; ultra-rich tzatziki (Greek yogurt with German restaurant is owner Alex Richter’s one-man preservatives. $ Choices range from homey, meaty lasagna to luxuriant cukes, garlic, and olive oil); bracing avgolemono (egg- gentrification project, transforming a formerly uninvit- crab ravioli with creamy lobster sauce, with occasional thickened chicken/lemon soup); char-grilled sardines with ing stretch of 79th Street one pils at a time. The fare Wine 69 forays into creative exotica such as seaweed spaghetti- greens and citrus dressing; or an inspired includes housemade sausages (mild veal bratwurst, 6909 Biscayne Blvd. ni (with sea scallops, shitakes, and fresh tomatoes). For eggplant/ground beef moussaka, bound here with an hearty mixed beef/pork bauernwurst, spicy gar- 305-759-0122 those tempted by too much, ultra-accommodating almost sinfully custardy béchamel. $$-$$$ licwurst) with homemade mustard and catsup; savory From the name, one might think this is just a wine shop. servers have been known to allow half orders of two yet near-greaseless potato pancakes; and, naturally, It’s actually about wine, food, and art, and how they work pastas. $$-$$$ Café Prima Pasta schnitzels, a choice of delicate pounded pork, chick- together. Wines, about 200 labels, are available retail (at 414 71st St., 305-867-0106, www.primapasta.com en, or veal patties served with a half-dozen different 35-50 percent of their marked prices, which are for in- Shuckers Bar & Grill Opened in 1993 with 28 seats, this family-run North sauces. $$-$$$ house drinkers), with 40 sold by the glass. But the 1819 79th St. Causeway Beach landmark has now taken over the block, with an place’s specialty is comparative flights of various wine 305-866-1570 outdoor terrace and multi-roomed indoor space whose Soyka types from different regions. Food, designed for pairing, “Cheap eats and a million-dollar view” is the sound bite walls are full of photos of their clientele (including nation- 5556 NE 4th Court, 305-759-3117 includes a new $25 three-course dinner. But the menu is manager Philip Conklin uses to describe this outdoor al and local celebs). Particularly popular are homemade www.soykarestaurant.com mostly light bites with intriguingly inventive touches: a beach bar, hidden in back of a bayfront motel. The joint pastas, sauced with Argentine-Italian indulgence rather This expansive, contemporary hangout was often credit- seared Cajun tuna salad with wasabi sauce; crab cakes dates from South Beach’s late 1980s revival, but the than Italian simplicity: crabmeat ravioletti in lobster cream ed with almost single-handedly sparking the revitaliza- with Asian sriracha chili sauce; a three-cheese soufflé. kick-off-your-shoes vibe – not to mention the pool tables sauce, black squid ink linguini heaped with seafood. Veal tion of the Biscayne Corridor’s Upper Eastside. Now that Especially impressive are some nicely priced and jukebox – couldn’t be farther from SoBe glitz. The dishes, such as piccata with white wine-lemon-caper the hype has calmed down, Soyka remains a solid cheese/charcuterie platters, served with fig tapenade, food ranges from classic bar favorites (char-grilled wings, sauce, are also a specialty. Though romantic enough for neighborhood restaurant that, like restaurateur Mark cornichons, fresh fruits, bread, and multiple sauces. And conch fritters, raw or steamed shellfish) to full dinners dates, the place is quite kid-friendly — and on the ter- Soyka’s previous ventures (notably Ocean Drive’s pio- the art part encompasses revolving exhibits, plus an art featuring steak, homemade pasta, or fresh, not frozen, race, they’ll even feed Fido. $$$ neering News Café and the Van Dyke on Lincoln Road) lecture series featuring wines picked by owner Ben Neji to fish. And since about half of the establishment is shel- is a perfect fit for its area. Comfortably priced yuppie compliment the art. $$ tered, the bites and bay view rock even when the weather comfort food like meatloaf with mashed potatoes, crab sucks. $-$$ Continued on page 58 cakes with spicy-sweet slaw, a wild mushroom/smoked mozzarella pizza, or a Cobb salad may not be revolution- NORTH BAY VILLAGE ary fare, but Soyka continues to thrive while more ambi- tious, nationally publicized restaurants like OLA have Barchetta on the Bay come and gone. $$-$$$ 1601 79th St. Causeway, 305-861-2228 Location, location, location. The truth of the old real Sushi Siam estate cliché could not be better illustrated than at this 5582 NE 4th Ct., 305-751-7818 reasonably priced Italian restaurant. While pastas like On the fairly standard menu of sushi-bar specialties plus lobster ravioli in tomato/cream vodka sauce are under a small selection of Thai and Japanese cooked dishes, $20, and no meat or seafood entrée exceeds $30, the there are a few surprises, such as a unique lobster maki spectacular setting on Biscayne Bay is priceless. Floor to that’s admittedly huge in price ($25.95), but also in size: ceiling picture windows serve as the expansive indoor six ounces of crisp-fried lobster chunks, plus asparagus, dining space’s rear wall, but the primo seats are out- avocado, lettuce, tobiko (flying fish), masago (smelt) doors, in sheltered banquettes and patio tables where roes, and special sauces. Also popular are red and the water view, and carefree tropical party feel, is unim- orange dragon rolls, similarly sauced makis of fried peded. $$-$$$$ shrimp plus veggies, topped with, respectively, raw tuna and salmon. Thai dishes come with a choice of more Bocados Ricos than a dozen sauces, ranging from traditional red or 1880 79th St. Causeway; 305-864-4889 green curries to the inventive, such as an unconventional Tucked into a mall best known for housing the Happy honey sauce. $$$ Stork Lounge, this little luncheonette joint services big appetites. Along with the usual grilled churrascos, there’s Sushi Square an especially belly-busting bandeja paisa (Colombia’s 7244 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-3100 sampler platter of grilled steak, sausage, chicharron, fried At this tiny, trendy place, you won’t find a menu dominat- egg, avocado, plantains, rice, and beans). But do not ed by the kinds of makis offered by most Miami sushi miss marginally daintier dishes like sopa de costilla, if houses: Americanized, cream-cheese-stuffed, tempura- this rich shortrib bowl is among the daily changing home- flake-covered. Instead numerous sushi rolls are filled made soups. Arepas include our favorite corn cake: the with Japanese ingredients: the gobo shiso (Japanese hefty Aura, stuffed with chorizo, chicharron, carne mountain burdock root and shiso leaf); the shitake maki desmechada (shredded flank steak), plantains, rice, (sweet soy-simmerd shitake mushroom). And many oth- beans, and cheese. Garnished with even more over-the- ers are uniquely imaginative, like the Key West (key lime- top abandon are Colombian-style hot dogs like the Perro marinated salmon, chives, cilantro pesto, and pear). Rico, topped with chicharron, chorizo, cheese, a quail There are equally unusual soups, salads, and starters, egg, and pineapple to cancel out the cholesterol. Ha! But too. But if nothing appeals, the chef enjoys a challenge. who cares? Strap on the med emergency bracelet and Tell him, as Diaghilev instructed Sartre, to astonish you. bring it on. $-$$ $$-$$$ Japanese Market and Sushi Deli UVA 69 1412 79th St. Causeway; 305-861-0143 6900 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-9022 Inside a small market that is, nevertheless, widely con- Owned by Sinuhé and Michael Vega of the bakery Cane á sidered Miami’s premier source of Japanese foodstuffs, Sucre – now defunct but one of the Biscayne Corridor’s the “Sushi Deli” restaurant component is nothing more first cool, contemporary cafés in the Midtown area – this than a lunch counter to the left of the entrance. But chef outdoor/indoor wine bar serves the same purpose on the Michio Kushi, who worked for years at the Sushin, Upper Eastside, helping to transform a scuzzy commuter Miami’s first full-service Japanese restaurant, serves up strip into a hip place to hang out. As for the food served, some sushi found nowhere else in town. Example: tradi- there are Cane’s fresh-baked breakfast pastries, as well tional Osaka-style sushi – layers of rice, seasoned sea- as more substantial lunch and dinner fare: a salad of weed, more rice, and marinated fresh mackerel, pressed

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Restaurant Listings the community center of Miami Shores. Few residents is available every day, as are antojitos – “little whims,” Canton Café can resist starting the workday with unique breakfast smaller snacks like chorizo con arepa (a corn cake with 12749 Biscayne Blvd, 305-892-2882 Continued from page 57 treats like a pressed panini of ham, Brie, and Colombian sausage). And for noncarnivores there are sev- Easily overlooked, this strip-mall spot serves mostly caramelized apples. Later locals gather over a balsamic- eral hefty seafood platters, made to order. $$ Cantonese-based dishes, ranging from all the old Chinese- Tamarind Thai dressed cranberry blue chicken salad (a grilled breast on American classics (chop suey, moo goo gai pan, pu pu plat- 946 Normandy Dr., 305-861-6222 romaine with gorgonzola, walnuts, and dried cranberries), Bagels & Co. ters) through newer Americanized fusion favorites like honey www.tamarindthai.us pan-fried blue crab cakes with beurre blanc and crisp 11064 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2435 garlic chicken, teriyaki beef, and crab Rangoon. But there When an eatery’s executive chef is best-selling Thai cook- cayenne-fried onions, wonton-topped salmon Oriental, or While this place is often referred to as Guns & Bagels, are also about two dozen spicier, Szechuan-style standards book author Vatcharin Bhumichitr, you’d expect major homemade pasta. As for dessert, the pastry case one can’t actually buy a gun here. The nickname refers to like kung po shrimp, ma po tofu, and General Tso’s chicken. media hype, fancy South Beach prices, and a fancy SoBe speaks for village residents: Let them eat (fresh-baked) its location next to a firearms shop. But there’s a lot of And there are a few imaginative new items, like the intrigu- address. Instead Bhumichitr joined forces with Day cake! $-$$ other stuff aside from bagels here, including a full range ingly christened “Shrimp Lost in the Forest,” Singapore cur- Longsomboon (an old Thai school pal who’d moved to of sandwiches and wraps. Breakfast time is busy time, ried rice noodles, crispy shrimp with honey-glazed walnuts, Miami) at this unpretentious, authentic (no sushi) neigh- Côte Gourmet with banana-walnut pancakes especially popular. But and Mongolian beef (with raw chilis and fresh Oriental basil). borhood place. Some standout dishes here (like shrimp 9999 NE 2nd Ave., #112 what’s most important is that this is one of the area’s few Delivery is available for both lunch and dinner. $$ and corn cakes with plum sauce, deep-fried sweet and 305-754-9012 sources of the real, New York-style water bagel: crunchy sour fish, and roast duck with tamarind sauce) are fea- If every Miami neighborhood had a neighborhood restau- outside, challengingly chewy inside. Those puffy half- Captain Jim’s Seafood tured in the chef’s latest tome, Vatch’s Thai Kitchen, but rant like this low-priced little French jewel, it’d be one fan- donuts most places pass off as bagels aren’t even con- 12950 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-892-2812 with Tamarind’s very affordable prices (especially at tastic food town. The menu is mostly simple stuff: break- tenders. $ This market/restaurant was garnering critical acclaim lunch), you might as well let the man’s impeccably fast croissants, crêpe, soups, sandwiches, salads, even when eat-in dining was confined to a few Formica trained kitchen staff do the work for you. $$-$$$ sweets, and a few more substantial specials like a Bamboche tables in front of the fish counter, owing to the fresh- Tunisian-style brik (buttery phyllo pastry stuffed with tuna, 13408 Biscayne Blvd, 305-947-6339 ness of its seafood (much of it from Capt. Jim Hanson’s MIAMI SHORES onions, potatoes, and tomatoes) with a mesclun side Buried in a strip mall perpendicular to the Boulevard, own fishing boats, which supply many of Miami’s most salad. But everything is homemade, including all breads, Bamboche is worth the hunt on one of those head-split- upscale eateries). Now there’s a casual but pleasantly Iron Sushi and prepared with impeccable ingredients, classic French ting Saturdays, for a Haitian specialty not found in many nautical side dining room with booths, and more recent- 9432 NE 2nd Ave., 305-754-0311; www.ironsushi.com technique, and meticulous attention to detail, down to the area restaurants: bouillon tet cabrit, a soup packed with ly added, a sushi bar stocked largely with flown-in With three Biscayne Corridor outlets (plus several branch- stylish plaid ribbons that hold together the café’s greens (like spinach, cabbage, cress, string beans) and Japanese fish just as pristine as the local catch. es elsewhere in town), this mostly take-out mini chain is baguette sandwiches. $-$$ root veggies that is reputed to be a miraculous hangover Whether it’s garlicky scampi (made with sweet Key West fast becoming the Sushi Joint That Ate Miami. And why remedy. Along with bouillon, weekend specials include shrimp), housemade smoked fish dip, grilled yellowtail do Miamians eat here? Not ambiance. There isn’t any. NORTH MIAMI more unusual dishes like fritay, fried street snacks. (or some more exotic local snapper, like hog or mutton), But when friends from the Pacific Northwest, where food- Haitian standards (griot, tassot) are available daily, as are perfectly tenderized cracked conch, or conch fritters ies know their fish, tout the seafood’s freshness, we lis- Los Antojos fresh-squeezed juices, lattes, and almost two dozen (with just enough batter to bind the big chunks of ten. And though the bargain prices, and many menu 11099 Biscayne Blvd. desserts. $ Bahamian shellfish), everything is deftly prepared and items, are similar to those at other fast-food sushi 305-892-1411 bargain-priced. $$ places, there are some surprisingly imaginative makis, If it’s Sunday, it must be sancocho de gallina, Colombia’s Bar-B-Que Beach Sports Bar & Grill like the Maharaja, featuring fried shrimp and drizzles of national dish. If it’s Saturday, it must be ajiaco. Both are 12599 Biscayne Blvd., 305-895-3141 Casa Mia Trattoria curry mayo. And where else will you find a stacked sushi thick chicken soups, full meals in a bowl. But veggies and On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights (starting at 1950 NE 123rd St., 305-899-2770 (five assorted makis) birthday cake? $-$$ garnishes vary, and this modest Colombian eatery is a about 9:00 p.m.), there’s karaoke at this expansive Tucked away, off to the side on the approach to the handy spot to comparison-test such typical stews. eatery, though from the décor -- mixing Wild West rusticity Broad Causeway and the beaches, this charming Village Café Adventuresome eaters may want to try another Saturday with Key West flip-flops dangling from the ceiling -- it’s indoor/outdoor trattoria seems to attract mostly neighbor- 9540 NE 2nd Ave., 305-757-6453 special, mondongo (tripe soup, similar to Mexico’s hard to know whether to brush up your Jimmy Buffett hood regulars. But even newcomers feel like regulars www.villagecaferestaurant.com menudo). For Colombian-cuisine novices, a Bandeja Paisa medley or “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” Concentrate instead after about ten minutes here, thanks to the staff’s gen- There’s an official Village Hall a few blocks up the road, (sampler including rice, beans, carne asada, chicharron, on the barbecue, honest stuff that has been low-tempera- uinely Italian ebullience. The delightful Italian accents but a popular vote would probably proclaim Village Café eggs, sautéed sweet plantains, and an arepa corn cake) ture smoked for 12 to 14 hours till tender yet resilient don’t hurt, either. As for the menu offerings, they’re (not falling-off-the-bone, a sure sign of par-boiled mostly classic comfort foods with some contemporary cheaters’ barbecue). Ribs are meaty (except for the aptly items as well. Housemade pastas are good enough that named, bargain-priced “bucket of bones,” and while low-carb dieters should definitely temporarily fuhgedda- chopped pork may not totally satisfy North Carolina pulled boudit, especially for the tender gnocchi with pesto or bet- pork purists, nothing within a 1000-mile drive ever does. ter yet, delicate fagottini -- “beggar’s purses” stuffed with Biggest winners: succulent sliced brisket and delightfully pears and cheese. $$ juicy chicken. $$ Chéen-huyae Burritos Grill Café 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-956-2808 11717 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1041 Diners can get some of the usual Tex-Mex dishes at this www.burritosgrillcafe cute spot, if they must. But the specialty is Mayan-rooted Originally a friendly little 125th Street hole-in-the-wall that Yucatan cuisine. So why blow bucks on burritos when one garnered raves for its limited menu of terrifically tasty treats, can sample Caribbean Mexico’s most typical dish: Mario and Karina Manzanero’s café is now in more sizable cochinita pibil? It’s currently LA’s trendiest taco filling and atmospheric quarters. But the friendly, family-run (and (and morning-after hangover remedy). But that city could- kid-friendly) ambiance remains, as do the authentic Yucatan- n’t have a more authentically succulent version of the style specialties. Standouts include poc-chuc, a pork loin pickle-onion-topped marinated pork dish than Chéen’s – marinated in sour orange juice and topped with pickled earthily aromatic from achiote, tangy from bitter oranges, onions and chiltomate sauce (roasted tomato/chili); tacos meltingly tender from slow cooking in a banana leaf wrap. al pastor, stuffed with subtly smoky steak, onion, cilantro, To accompany, try a lime/soy/chili-spiced michelada, also and pineapple; sinful deep-fried tacos dorados (like fat flau- authentically Mexican, and possibly the best thing that tas); and signature burritos, including the Maya, filled with ever happened to dark beer. $$-$$$ juicy cochinita pibil, refried beans, and pickled onions. $$ .com Continued on page 59 www.18thstreetcafe ph: 305.381.8006

HOURS: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm / Sat 9am-4pm 210 NE 18th street, miami, fl 33132

58 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Here Comes the Sun Little Havana Mario the Baker 2188 NE 123rd St., 305-893-5711 12727 Biscayne Blvd 250 NE 25th St., 305-891-7641 Continued from page 58 At this friendly natural foods establishment, one of 305-899-9069 www.mariothebakerpizza.com Miami’s first, there’s a full stock of vitamins and nutrition- www.littlehavanarestaurant.com At this North Miami institution (opened in 1969) food is Chef Creole al supplements. But the place’s hearty soups, large vari- In addition to white-tablecoth ambiance that’s several Italian-American, not Italian-Italian: spaghetti and meatballs, 13105 W. Dixie Hwy.; 305-893-4246 ety of entrées (including fresh fish and chicken as well as steps up in elegance from the majority of neighborhood lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and hot or cold subs. No (See Miami listing) vegetarian selections), lighter bites like miso burgers with eateries, this place features live Latin entertainment and imported buffala, arugula, or other chichi stuff on the New secret “sun sauce” (which would probably make old dancing, making it a good choice when diners want a York-style medium-thin-crusted pizzas; the top topping here Chipotle Mexican Grill sneakers taste good), and daily specials are a tastier way night out, not just a meal. It’s also a good choice for din- is the savory housemade sausage. And no one leaves with- 14776 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2779 to get healthy. An under-ten-buck early-bird dinner is popu- ers who don’t speak Spanish, but don’t worry about out garlic rolls, awash in warm parsley oil and smashed www.chipotle.com lar with the former long-hair, now blue-hair, crowd. Frozen authenticity. Classic Cuban home-style dishes like mojo- garlic ($4 a dozen, $3 per half-dozen, which won’t even last Proving that national fast-food chains don’t have to be bad yogurt, fresh juices, and smoothies complete the menu. marinated lechon asado, topped with onions, and juicy the ride home). New branches are now open in Miami's for either diners or the environment, Chipotle serves what $-$$ ropa vieja are translated on the menu, not the plate, and Midtown neighborhood and in North Bay Village. $ the company calls “food with integrity.” The fare is simple, fancier creations like pork filet in tangy tamarind sauce basically tacos and big burritos: soft flour or crisp corn tor- Ichi seem universal crowd-pleasers. $$$ The Melting Pot tillas stuffed with chipotle-marinated steak or chicken 13488 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-9334 15700 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2228 chunks, bolder shredded beef barbacoa, or herb-scented Half sushi/sashimi, half cooked Japanese dishes, the menu Maleewan Thai & Sushi www.meltingpot.com pork carnitas, all with choice of fresh garnishes. But these is relatively small but covers most of the traditional favorites 2224 NE 123rd St., 305-895-0393 For 1950s and 1960s college students, fondue pots bites contain no evil ingredients (transfats, artificial and a few surprises. Popular makis include the Dream Redecorated (tasteful bamboo-matted walls, silk flowers) were standard dorm accessories. These days, however, color/flavor, antibiotics, growth hormones). Additionally, all (shrimp tempura, avocado, Japanese mayo, and masago), since the days — many days — this space was occupied branches of this chain (originating in Maitland, Florida, in pork, plus a large and growing percentage of the grill’s beef the vegetarian Popeye spicy spinach roll, and the deep-fried by the kosher sushi spot Tani Guchi’s Place, Maleewan is 1975) are generally the only places to go for this blast- and poultry, is raised via humane and ecologically sustain- Crispy, a riceless salmon and veggie roll. Among cooked now a cozy, neighborly nook at which to enjoy all the stan- from-the-past eating experience. Fondues are available à able methods. And the food, while not the authentic Mex items, there’s a large list of teriyakis, and a few dishes pre- dard Japanese and Thai selections. Cooked sushi is the la carte or as full dip-it-yourself meals. Start with a wine- street stuff dreams are made of, is darned tasty, too. $ pared with a different twist – panko-breaded pork or chicken strong suit here, particularly the signature mammoth-size enriched four-cheese fondue; proceed to an entrée with katsu cutlets, for instance, that eschew the standard sweet Maleewan roll, given zing by pickled Japanese squash choice of meat or seafood, plus choice of cooking potion DiBono’s sauce for curry. $$ and savor by a crispy yellowtail tempura topping. If you’re – herbed wine, bouillon, or oil; finish with fruits and cakes 15979 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-3330 craving more creative fare, check out the handwritten spe- dipped in your favorite melted chocolate. Fondue eti- www.louiesbrickoven.com Jerusalem Market and Deli cials board on your way in. $$ quette dictates that diners who drop a skewer in the pot A pocket flashlight isn’t a bad idea if you want to read the 16275 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-9080 must kiss all other table companions, so go with those menu in this mood-lit room. But who needs to read it? Specialties like shawarma, spinach pies, kebabs, hummus, Mama Jennie’s you love. $$$ There’s a coal-fired brick oven, so order pizza, which comes and kibbeh (a savory mix of ground lamb and bulgur, 11720 NE 2nd Ave., 305-757-3627 out of the ultra-hot enclosure with a perfect crust – beautiful- arguably the world’s most interesting meatball) are native to For more than 35 years this beloved red-sauce joint North One 10 ly blistered, crisp outside, chewy inside. Appealing toppings many Middle East countries, but when a Lebanese has been drawing students and other starvation-budget 11052 Biscayne Blvd., 305-893-4211 include the Calabrese (Italian sausage, caramelized onions, chef/owner, like this eatery’s Sam Elzoor, is at the helm, diners with prodigious portions of lasagna, spaghetti www.northone10.com kalamata olives, mozzarella, tomato sauce) and a more mod- you can expect extraordinary refinement. There are elabo- and meatballs (the latter savory yet light-textured), veal For most chefs a Miami-to-Manhattan move is generally ern mix of mozzarella, tomato sauce, onion, thin-sliced pro- rate daily specials here, like lemon chicken or stuffed cab- marsala topped with a mountain of mushrooms, and considered one of those offers you can’t refuse. But after sciutto, and arugula drizzled with olive oil. For those craving bage with a variety of sides, but even a common falafel other Italian-American belly-busters. All pasta or meat helming several NYC restaurants for China Grill more crunch than the latter pie’s arugula salad, there are fla- sandwich is special when the pita is also stuffed with entrées come with oil-drenched garlic rolls and either Management, the homegrown married team of chef Dewey vorful veggies from a hardwood-fired grill. Wings from the housemade cabbage and onion salads, plus unusually rich soup (hearty minestrone) or a salad (mixed greens, and sommelier Dale LoSasso returned to do their own brick oven (spiced with roasted garlic and Italian herbs, and tart tahina. For home cooks, there’s also a limited tomatoes, cukes, brined olives, and pickled peppers) thing in their own neighborhood. The menu is “creative topped with grilled onions) are a smokin’ starter. $$-$$$ selection of imported spices and staples. $-$$ that’s a dinner in itself. Rustic roadhouse ambiance, comfort food”: a shrimp waffle with basil butter; “steak notably the red leatherette booths, add to Mama’s D.J.’s Diner Le Griot de Madame John charm. $-$$ Continued on page 60 12210 Biscayne Blvd., 305-893-5250 975 NE 125th St., 305-892-9333 Located in a Best Western motel, this place, run by a When Madame moved her base of operations from her Chinese-American family, serves mostly basic American Little Haiti home to a real restaurant (though a very informal NEW IN NORTH BEACH! "Ariston is derived from the Greek aristos, meaning 'the best,' diner fare – burgers, sandwiches, about a dozen dinner one, and still mostly take-out), she began offering numerous and it just might be." entrées, fresh-baked apple pie, and, oddly, a whole sec- traditional Haitian dishes, including jerked beef or goat tas- --Victoria Pesce Elliott, Miami Herald tion of Caesar salad variations. But it’s also a secret sot and an impressive poisson gros sel (a whole fish source for Chinese food, mostly chow mien/chop suey- rubbed with salt before poaching with various veggies and “A restaurant that pleases its patrons. Ariston has started out type dishes, but also a few dishes such as eggplant with spices). But the dish that still packs the place is the griot: doing just that.” garlic sauce and ma po tofu that are a step up in authen- marinated pork chunks simmered and then fried till they’re -- Miami New Times ticity. $-$$ moistly tender inside, crisp and intensely flavored outside. $ “Ariston continues the lucky streak with classical Greek cuisine based on recipes of owner Thanasis Barlos’s mom.” Hanna’s Gourmet Diner Lime Fresh Mexican Grill 13951 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2255 14831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-8800 -- Biscayne Times When Sia and Nicole Hemmati bought the Gourmet Diner Like its South Beach predecessor, this Lime was an instant from retiring original owner Jean-Pierre Lejeune in the late hit, as much for being a hip hangout as for its carefully 1990s, they added “Hanna’s” to the name, but changed lit- crafted Tex-Mex food. Though Lime is now franchising, the Check our unbeatable "Taste of Greece" set menus tle else about this retro-looking French/American diner, a chain’s concept is “fast casual” rather than fast food – north Miami-Dade institution since 1983. Customers can get meaning nice enough for a night out. It also means ingredi- please visit our website: a cheeseburger or garlicky escargots, meatloaf in tomato ents aren’t canned-type crapola. Seafood tacos are about sauce or boeuf bourguignon in red wine sauce, iceberg let- as exotic as the standard menu gets, but the mahi mahi www.aristonrestaurantmiami.com tuce and tomatoes, or a mushroom and squid salad with gar- for fish tacos comes fresh, never frozen, from a local sup- for upcoming events and promotions! lic dressing. For oysters Rockefeller/tuna-melt couples from plier, and salsas are housemade daily. Niceties include low- Venus and Mars, it remains the ideal dinner date destina- carb tortillas for dieters and many Mexican beers for 940 71st Street ● Miami Beach ● 305-864-9848 tion. $$-$$$ partiers. $

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 59 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings La Paloma boulangerie breads are, the patisserie items like flan nor- sauce or veg topper, for nine bucks at lunch, $15 to 10999 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0505 mande (a buttery-crusted, almond-topped apple-and-cus- $18.75 (the menu’s top price) at night; and three-dollar Continued from page 59 Step into La Paloma and you’ll be stepping back in time, tard tart) are just as evocative. For eat-in diners, quite glasses of decent house wine. Many other grilled meat and eggs” (a grilled NY strip with truffled goat cheese fritta- circa 1957. Adorned with antiques (some even real) and continental soups, salads, and sandwiches are equally and seafood items are also offered, plus pastas, salads, ta, herb demiglace, and hash browns); a stone crab hot chandeliers, the over-the-top plush décor was the and dependably French. $$ gooey desserts, and specials (events as well as food). dog the chef invented for a Super Bowl party. The award- American fine-dining ideal – half a century ago (though $-$$ winning wine list inspires playfully themed pairing events actually the place only dates from the 1970s). Cuisine is Plein Sud like an Italian food/wine “Godfather” dinner. But it’s not similarly retro-luxe: old-fashioned upscale steaks, chops, 12409 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-2355 Steve’s Pizza South Beach, so prices are reasonable, and parking is and lobster, plus fancier Continental fare. If you have a The Boulevard may not be the Champs-Elysées, but din- 12101 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0202 free. $$$-$$$$ yen for chateaubriand, duck a l’orange, oysters ers could be fooled once inside this evocative French At the end of a debauched night of excess, some paper- Rockefeller, French onion soup, trout almondine, wiener bistro. The ambiance is Old World, and the menu is solid thin designer pizza with wisps of smoked salmon (or similar Nuvo Kafe schnitzel, and peach Melba, it’s the only place in town and well executed. Starters range from country comfort fluff) doesn’t do the trick. Open till 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., 13152 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-892-1441 that can deliver them all. A huge wine list fuels the fanta- (Lyonnaise sausage with warm, vinegary potato salad; a Steve’s has, since 1974, been serving the kind of comfort- Though the neighborhood is decidedly ungentrified, the sy. $$$$ charcuterie platter with homemade pâté) to urban sophis- ing, retro pizzas people crave at that hour. As in Brooklyn, interior of this café is an oasis of cultivated Caribbean tication (Maine lobster tail with celery remoulade). tomato sauce is sweet, with strong oregano flavor. cool and subtly sophisticated global fare. Haitian-born, Paquito’s Entrées include long-stewed, creamy blanquette de veau, Mozzarella is applied with abandon. Toppings are stuff that Montreal-schooled chef Ivan Dorval formerly cooked at 16265 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-5027 or a precision-cooked steak-frites (rib eye with crisp shoe- give strength: pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, onions, and the Oasis Café in Miami Beach, as well as the Delano, From the outside, this strip-mall Mexican eatery couldn’t string fries). For dessert there is the ubiquitous tarte peppers. $ and the varied background is reflected in cuisine that’s be easier to overlook. Inside, however, its festivity is tatin, caramelized apples atop puff-pastry crust. $$-$$$ chiefly creative Caribbean but with influences from the impossible to resist. Every inch of wall space seems to Sun City Café Middle East, Asia, Greece, and Italy. Homemade, health- be covered with South of the Border knickknacks. And if Sara’s 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-6955 oriented dishes include velvety ginger pumpkin bisque, the kitschy décor alone doesn’t cheer you, the quickly 2214 NE 123rd St., 305-891-3312 Super-stuffed crêpes, made to order from scratch, are unusually refined conch fritters (light batter, monster arriving basket of fresh (not packaged) taco chips, or the www.saraskosherpizza.com the main specialty here – some sweet (the Banana Split: chunks of conch), West Indies crab cakes with citrus mariachi band, or the knockout margaritas will. Food While this mainly vegetarian kosher place is best known fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, candied walnuts, ice aioli, and a signature lavish, but only slightly sinful, ranges from Tex-Mex burritos and a party-size fajita plat- for its pizza (New York-style medium crust or thick-crusted cream, and Nutella or dulce de leche), some savory (the Citadel Raw Fruit Pie. $$-$$$ ter to authentic Mexican moles and harder-to-find tradi- Sicilian, topped with veggies and/or “meat buster” imita- Sun City Steak: beef, mushrooms, onions, red peppers, tional preparations like albóndigas – spicy, ultra-savory tion meats), it’s also offers a full range of Swiss cheese, and A1 sauce). But there’s also a smaller Oishi Thai meatballs. $$-$$$ breakfast/lunch/dinner vegetarian cuisine of all nations, selection of custom-crafted wraps, salads, sandwiches, 14841 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-4338 with many dairy and seafood items too. Admittedly the and sides, plus smoothies, coffee drinks, even beer or www.oishithai.com Pasha’s cutesie names of many items – baygels, bergerrbite, wine. Free Wi-Fi encourages long, lingering lunches. $ At this stylish, dramatically minimalist Thai/sushi spot, 14871 Biscayne Blvd., 786-923-2323 Cezarrrr salad, hammm, meat-a-ball, schmopperrr – may the regular Thai and Japanese dishes are as good as any- www.pashas.com cause queasiness. But the schmopperrr itself is one hel- Sushi House where in town. But the way to go is the menu of specials, (See Miami: Brickell / Downtown listing) luva high-octane veggie burger. $-$$ 15911 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-6002 many of which clearly reflect the young chef’s fanatic In terms of décor drama, this sushi spot seems to have devotion to fresh fish, as well as the time he spent in the Paul Bakery Café Scorch Grillhouse and Wine Bar taken its cue from Philippe Starck: Delano-like sheer kitchen of Knob: broiled miso-marinated black cod; rock 14861 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-4443 13750 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-5588 floor-to-ceiling drapes, for starters. The sushi list, too, is shrimp tempura with creamy sauce; even Nobu www.paulusa.com www.scorchgrillhouse.com over the top, featuring monster makis: the Cubbie Matsuhisa’s “new style sashimi” (slightly surface-seared From one rural shop in 1889, the French bakery known Though some food folks were initially exasperated when Comfort (spicy tuna, soft-shell crab, shrimp and eel tem- by drizzles of hot olive and sesame oil). Formerly all simply as Paul has grown to a worldwide chain, which for- yet another Latin-influenced grill replaced one of our pura, plus avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro, topped with Japanese-influenced, the specials menu now includes tunately chose to open its first U.S. outlet in our town. area’s few Vietnamese restaurants, it’s hard to bear a not one but three sauces: wasabi, teriyaki, and spicy some Thai-inspired creations, too, such as veal mas- One bite of the crusty peasant loaf, the olive-studded grudge at a friendly, casual neighborhood place that mayo); the Volcano, topped with a mountain of tempura saman curry, Chilean sea bass curry, and sizzling filet fougasse, or another of the signature artisan breads offers monster ten-ounce char-grilled burgers, with pota- mignon with basil sauce. $$$-$$$$ transports you right back to France. As authentic as the toes or salad, for $8.50; steaks, plus a side and a Continued on page 61

AuthenticAuthentic Creole Creole CuisineCuisine

CateringCatering Available Available 305.899.2729305.899.2729

13105 West Dixie Hwy. 200 NW 54th Street North Miami, FL 33161 Miami, FL 33127 305.893.4246 305.754.2223

60 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Tokyo Bowl into the night and expand its classic griddled-or-fried- Blue Marlin Fish House 12295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-9400 things menu to include a few health-conscious touches 2500 NE 163rd St., 305-957-8822 Continued from page 60 This fast-food drive-thru (unexpectedly serene inside) is like Caesar salad, plus a note proclaiming their oils are Located inside Oleta River State Park, this casual outdoor flakes; the spicy/sweet sauce-drenched Hawaiian King named for its feature item, big budget-priced bowls of rice free of trans fats. Otherwise the famous steak sandwich eatery (which is covered, but otherwise open-air) is a rare Crab, containing unprecedented ingredients like toma- or noodles topped with cooked Japanese-style items like is still a traditional Philly – thin-sliced beef, cheese, and surprise for nature lovers, especially since an eager-to- toes, green peppers, and pineapple. To drink there are teriyaki fish (fresh fish sautéed with vegetables), curried onions on a buttered Italian roll (with tasty housemade please young couple took over the daytime-only conces- boutique wines, artisan sakes, and cocktails as exotic chicken and veggies, spicy shrimp, or gyoza dumplings in sour cream/horseradish sauce served on the side so as sion, upgrading the menu, at the start of 2008. The fea- as the cuisine. $$$-$$$$ tangy sauce. There’s also an all-you-can-eat deal – sushi not to offend purists). Extras like mushrooms are possi- tured item is still the house-smoked fish this historic (individual nigiri or maki rolls) plus tempura, teriyaki, and ble, not imposed. Drippin’ good burgers, too. And unlike venue first started producing in 1938 – three varieties Twenty-One Toppings other cooked items for $14; three bucks more for sashi- MacChain addicts, patrons here can order a cold beer (salmon, mahi mahi, and the signature blue marlin), avail- 14480 Biscayne Blvd., #105, North Miami mi instead of sushi. $-$$ with the good grease. $-$$ able in a sampler, salads, sandwiches/wraps, or a 305-947-3433 delightfully mild smoked fish dip that may be Miami’s A shoo-in to top many future “Best Burger” polls, this Venezia Pizza and Café Zipang best. But the smokehouse now also turns out ribs and little joint serves sirloin, chicken, turkey, and white 13452 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-1808 14316 Biscayne Blvd., 305-919-8844 delectable brisket. Other new additions include roasted bean patties, topped with your choice of one cheese No frozen pizza crusts or watery mozzarella here. No It’s appropriate that the name of this small strip-mall red pepper hummus, crab cakes, a delightfully light home- from a list of seven, one sauce from a list of twelve, imported designer ingredients either. The pies are New sushi spot refers to Japan’s first and only sparkling sake made Key lime chiffon pie, daily specials, and on week- and three toppings from a list of 21. And since the York-style, but the dough is made fresh daily, and the – something most Americans have never heard of, mak- ends, fish fries (with live music). For basic diners there chef/co-owner is a culinary school grad who has cheese is Grande (from Wisconsin, considered America’s ing the reference pretty much an insider’s joke. Since are burgers and hot dogs. Entry is directly from 163rd trained in several cutting-edge kitchens (including David finest pizza topper). Also on the menu are Italian-American opening several years ago, the restaurant itself has been Street, not through the main park entrance. No admission Bouley Evolution), the garnishes ain’t just ketchup. pastas, a large selection of hot an cold subs, simple sal- one of our town’s best-kept secrets. But the perfection- fee. $ There’s Asian vinaigrette, gorgonzola, grilled portobel- ads, and a few new protein adds – grilled chicken breast, ist chef/owner’s concentration on quality and freshness los, much more. If choosing is too confusing, try the fried fish, or a steak. $-$$ of ingredients has made Zipang the pick of sushi China Restaurant chef-designed combos.$-$$ cognoscenti like Loews’s executive chef Marc Ehrler, 178 NE 167th St., 305-947-6549 Wong’s Chinese Restaurant who has named the unpretentious place his favorite When you have a yen for the Americanized Chinese fusion Two Chefs Too 12420 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-4313 Miami eatery, while admitting the obvious: “Nobody dishes you grew up with, all the purist regional Chinese 2288 NE 123rd St This old-timer’s menu reads like a textbook on how to knows it.” $$-$$$ cuisine in the world won’t scratch the itch. So the menu 305-895-5155 please everyone, with food ranging from traditional here, containing every authentically inauthentic Chinese- www.twochefsrestaurant.com Chinese to Chinese-American to just plain American. American classic you could name, is just the ticket when At this much-anticipated spin-off of Jan Jorgensen’s Appetizers include honey garlic chicken wings or Buffalo NORTH MIAMI BEACH nostalgia strikes – from simple egg rolls to pressed South Miami Two Chefs, there are some differences in wings. A crab-claw starter comes with choice of pork fried almond duck (majorly breaded boneless chunks, with the menu. But the concept of New American comfort rice or French fries. Seafood lovers can get shrimp chop Bamboo Garden comfortingly thick gravy). $-$$ food -- familiar favorites modernized with the chef’s ele- suey, or salty pepper shrimp (authentically shell-on). And 1232 NE 163rd St.; 305-945-1722 gant, unexpected creative touches -- is the same. So snowbirds will be pleased to find a number of dishes that Big enough for a banquet (up to 300 guests), this veteran Christine’s Roti Shop are many much-loved dishes like juicy bacon-wrapped are mainstays of Manhattan Szechuan menus but not is many diners’ favorite on the 163rd/167th Street 16721 NE 6th Ave., 305-770-0434 meatloaf, flavored with a fusion Chinese black bean bar- common in Miami: cold sesame noodles, Hunan chicken, “Chinatown” strip because of its superior décor. But the Wraps are for wimps. At this small shop run by Christine becue sauce, and perfect dessert soufflés (with crème twice-cooked pork, Lake Tung Ting shrimp, and peppery menu also offers well-prepared, authentic dishes like pep- Gouvela, originally from British Guyana, the wrapper is a chantilly plus caramel or chocolate sauce). New and kung po squid. $$ pery black bean clams, sautéed mustard greens, and far more substantial and tasty roti, a Caribbean mega- notable: knockout artisan cheese platters (with choice steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions, plus crepe made from chickpea flour. Most popular filling for of inventive garnishes: brioche frites, celery escabeche, Woody’s Famous Steak Sandwich Chinese-American egg foo young. Default spicing is mild the flatbread is probably jerk chicken, bone-in pieces in a Dijon mustard sauce, marinated olives, much more) 13105 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1451 even in Szechuan dishes marked with red-chili icons, but spiced stew of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and that, with wine (from a relatively high-priced but high- The griddle has been fired up since 1954 at this indie don’t worry; realizing some like it hot, the chefs will cus- quality list) make an idyllic light meal in themselves. fast-food joint, and new owners have done little to change tomize spiciness to heroic heat levels upon request. $$ Continued on page 62 $$$$ the time-tested formula except to stretch operating hours Buena Vista Bistro

Open Lunch & Dinner: 11AM – Midnight Sunday Brunch: 11AM - 3PM

Patio Open Weekends

4582 NE 2nd Ave Ɣ 305.456.5909

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 61 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Heelsha myriad families arriving for dinner in matching going-to- Mary Ann Bakery 1550 NE 164th St., 305-919-8393, www.heelsha.com church outfits is equaled only by the eye-poppingly dyed 1284 NE 163rd St., 305-945-0333 Continued from page 61 If unusual Bangladeshi dishes like fiery pumpkin patey shrimp chips and desserts displayed inside on the buf- Don’t be unduly alarmed by the American birthday cakes more chickpeas. But there are about a dozen other cur- (cooked with onion, green pepper, and pickled mango) or fet table. Though there’s an à la carte menu, the draw in the window. At this small Chinese bakery the real finds ries to choose from, including beef, goat, conch, shrimp, Heelsha curry (succulently spiced hilsa, Bangladesh’s here is the 100-item (according to advertisements) all- are the Chinatown-style baked buns and other savory trout, and duck. Take-out packages of plain roti are also sweet-fleshed national fish) seem familiar, it’s because you-can-eat spread of dishes that are mostly Chinese, pastries, filled with roast pork, bean sauce, and curried available; they transform myriad leftovers into tasty, chef/owner Bithi Begum and her husband Tipu Raman with some American input. It’s steam-table stuff, but the ground beef. Prices are under a buck, making them an portable lunches. $ once served such fare at the critically acclaimed Renaisa. price is right and then some: $5.95 for lunch, $8.95 for exotic alternative to fast-food dollar meals. There’s one Their new menu’s mix-and-match option also allows din- dinner. $-$$ table for eat-in snackers. $ El Gran Inka ers to pair their choice of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetable 3155 NE 163rd St., 305-940-4910 with more than a dozen regional sauces, from familiar King Palace Matador Argentinean Steakhouse www.graninka.com Indian styles to exotica like satkara, flavored with a 330 NE 167th St., 305-949-2339 3207 NE 163rd St., 305-944-6001 Somehow, when setting off to try Key Biscayne restau- Bangladeshi citrus reminiscent of sour orange. Early-bird The specialties here are authentic Chinatown-style barbecue With Latin parilla places spreading here as fast as kudzu, rants (like Miami’s original Gran Inka), we never make it dinners (5:00 to 6:30 p.m.) are a bargain, as some dish- (whole ducks, roast pork strips, and more, displayed in a it’s hard to get excited about yet another all-you-can-eat past Jimbo’s. So luckily, the newer branch of this upscale es are almost half-price. Lunch is served weekends only glass case by the door), and fresh seafood dishes, the best meat spread. But Matador offers far more for the money Peruvian eatery offers the same menu. Though diners will except by reservation, so call ahead. $$-$$$ made with the live fish swimming in two tanks by the dining than most. One dinner price ($24.95, $27.95 weekends) find ceviches, a hefty fried-seafood jalea, and Peru’s room entrance. There’s also a better-than-average selection includes a salad bar of more than 30 items, unlimited other expected traditional specialties, all presented far Iron Sushi of seasonal Chinese veggies. The menu is extensive, but grilled proteins (many cuts of beef, sausages, chicken, more elegantly than most in town (notably a picture-per- 16350 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-2244 the best ordering strategy, since the place is usually packed pork, assorted veggies, and even fish upon request), fect causa con camarones, mashed potatoes layered with (See Miami Shores listing) with Asians, is to see what looks good on nearby tables, crunchy steak fries, a dessert (typically charged extra else- shrimp), the contemporary Peruvian fusion creations are and point. Servers will also steer you to the good stuff, where), and even more fun, a bottle of quite quaffable wine unique. Especially recommended are two dishes adapted JC Food once you convince them you’re not a chop suey kinda per- per person. $$$ from recipes by Peru’s influential nikkei 1242 NE 163rd St., 305-956-5677 son. $$ (Japanese/Creole) chef Rosita Yimura: an exquisite, deli- Jumbo’s regular menu offers a large percentage of hard- Panya Thai cately sauced tiradito de corvina, and for those with no to-find traditional Chinese home-cooking specialties (many Laurenzo’s Market Café 520 NE 167th St., 305-945-8566 fear of cholesterol, pulpo de oliva (octopus topped with using fresh and preserved Asian vegetables): pork with 16385 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-6381 Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, there’s no shortage of rich olive sauce). $$$-$$$$ bitter melon, beef with sour cabbage, chicken with mus- www.laurenzosmarket.com genuine Thai food in and around Miami. But Panya’s tard green, cellophane noodle with mixed-vegetable It’s just a small area blocked off by grocery shelves, chef/owner, a Bangkok native, offers numerous regional Hiro Japanese Restaurant casserole. Still, most diners come for dim sum, a huge buried between the wines and the fridge counters – no and/or rare dishes not found elsewhere. Plus he doesn’t 3007 NE 163rd St., 305-948-3687 selection served at all hours. These small plates include potted palms, and next-to-no service in this cafeteria-style automatically curtail the heat or sweetness levels to please One of Miami’s first sushi restaurants, Hiro retains an amus- chewy rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp or beef, leek snack space. But when negotiating this international gour- Americans. Among the most intriguing: moo khem phad wan ing retro-glam feel, an extensive menu of both sushi and dumplings, crisp-fried stuffed taro balls, savory pork-stud- met market’s packed shelves and crowds has depleted (chewy deep-fried seasoned pork strips with fiery tamarind cooked Japanese food, and late hours that make it a peren- ded turnip cake, pork/peanut congee, custard croissants, your energies, it’s a handy place to refuel with eggplant dip, accompanied by crisp green papaya salad, a study in nially popular snack stop after a hard night at the area’s and for the brave, steamed chicken feet. $$ parmesan and similar Italian-American classics, steam- sour/sweet/savory balance); broad rice noodles stir-fried movie multiplexes (or strip clubs). The sushi menu has few tabled but housemade from old family recipes. Just a few with eye-opening chili/garlic sauce and fresh Thai basil; and surprises, but quality is reliable. Most exceptional are the Kyung Ju spoonfuls of Wednesday’s hearty pasta fagiole, one of chili-topped Diamond Duck in tangy tamarind sauce. $$-$$$ nicely priced yakitori, skewers of succulently soy-glazed and 400 NE 167th St., 305-947-3838 the daily soup specials, could keep a person shopping for grilled meat, fish, and vegetables; the unusually large variety Star of the show at this long-lived Korean restaurant (one hours. $-$$ PK Oriental Mart available of the last makes this place a good choice for vege- of only a handful in Miami-Dade County) is bulgogi. The 255 NE 167th St., 305-654-9646 tarians. $$ name translates as “fire meat,” but isn’t a reference to Lemon Fizz While there are three other sizable Asian markets on this Koreans’ love of hot chilis. Rather it refers to Korean-style 16310 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-6599 strip between I-95 and Biscayne Boulevard, PK has the only Hiro’s Sushi Express barbecue, which is really not barbecued but quickly grilled www.lemon-fizz.com prepared-food counter, serving authentic Chinatown barbe- 17048 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-0776 after long marination in a mix of soy sauce, sesame, Like wraps? Then you’ll love this Middle Eastern café’s cue, with appropriate dipping sauces included. Weekends Tiny, true, but there’s more than just sushi at this mostly sugar, garlic, and more. Lovers of fiery food can cus- version made with saj, a circular Syrian flatbread similar bring the biggest selection, including barbecued ribs and pa take-out spin-off of the pioneering Hiro. Makis are the main- tomize with dipping sauces, or the eatery’s many little to pita but much thinner, moister, and all-around better. pei duck (roasted, then deep-fried till extra crisp and nearly stay (standard stuff like California rolls, more complex cre- banchan (included side dishes, some mild, others mouth- Upon order, diners can watch the chef custom-cook their free of subcutaneous fat). Available every day are juicy, soy- ations like multi-veg futomaki, and a few unexpected treats searing). Pa jun, a crispy egg/scallion-based pancake, is saj (on a scorching-hot, flying-saucer metal dome of the marinated roast chickens, roast pork strips, crispy pork, and like a spicy Crunch & Caliente maki), available à la carte or a crowd-pleasing starter. And if the unfamiliarity seems same name), then roll the beautifully surface-blistered whole roast ducks – hanging, as tradition dictates, beaks in value-priced individual and party combo platters. But too scary altogether, there’s a selection of Chinese food. bread around one of 27 stuffings, including za’atar and and all. But no worries; a counterperson will chop your pur- there are also bento boxes featuring tempura, yakitori $$-$$$ EVOO, brined olives and labneh (creamy yogurt cheese), chase into bite-size, beakless pieces. $ skewers, teriyaki, stir-fried veggies, and udon noodles. falafel, steak, even dessert fillings like strawberries and Another branch is now open in Miami’s Upper Eastside. $ Kebab Indian Restaurant Nutella. Also available: soups, salads, and substantial Sang’s Chinese Restaurant 514 NE 167th St., 305-940-6309 globally topped rice bowls, plus fresh fruit juices and 1925 NE 163rd St., 305-947-7076 Hiro’s Yakko-San Since the 1980s this restaurant, located in an smoothies. $ Open late (12:30 a.m. most nights) since 1990, Sang’s 17040 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-947-0064 unatmospheric mini strip mall but surprisingly romantic has an owner who previously cooked in NYC’s Chinatown, After sushi chefs close up their own restaurants for the night, inside (especially if you grab one of the exotically Little Saigon and three menus. The pink menu is Americanized Chinese many come here for a bite of something different. The special- draped booths) has been a popular destination for rea- 16752 N. Miami Ave., 305-653-3377 food, from chop suey to honey garlic chicken. The white ty is Japanese home cooking, served in grazing portions so sonably priced north Indian fare. Kormas are properly This is Miami’s oldest traditional Vietnamese restaurant, menu permits the chef to show off his authentic Chinese diners can enjoy a wide variety of the unusual dishes offered. soothing and vindaloos are satisfactorily searing, but but it’s still packed most weekend nights. So even the fare: salt and pepper prawns, rich beef/turnip casserole, Standard sushi isn’t missed when glistening-fresh strips of raw the kitchen will adjust seasonings upon request. They place’s biggest negative – its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, tender salt-baked chicken, even esoterica like abalone with tuna can be had in maguro nuta – mixed with scallions and aim to please. Food arrives unusually fast for an Indian not encouraging of lingering visits – becomes a plus since sea cucumber. The extensive third menu offers dim sum, dressed with habit-forming honey-miso mustard sauce. Dishes eatery, too. $$ it ensures fast turnover. Chef/owner Lily Tao is typically in served until 4:00 p.m. A limited live tank allows seasonal depend on the market, but other favorites include goma ae the kitchen, crafting green papaya salad, flavorful beef seafood dishes like lobster with ginger and scallion. More (wilted spinach, chilled and dressed in sesame sauce), garlic King Buffet noodle pho (served with greens, herbs, and condiments recently installed: a Chinese barbecue case, displaying stem and beef (mild young shoots flash-fried with tender steak 316 NE 167th St., 305-940-8668 that make it not just a soup but a whole ceremony), and savory items like crispy pork with crackling attached. $$$ bits), or perhaps just-caught grouper with hot/sweet/tangy chili In this restaurant’s parking lot, midday on Sundays, the many other Vietnamese classics. The menu is humon- sauce. Open till around 3:00 a.m. $$ colorful display of vivid pinks, greens, and blues worn by gous. $-$$ Continued on page 63

62 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings heat to turn out, in a mere three or four minutes, a pie land-based dish – loyal repeat customers know to sausage, and cream gravy), the Caribbean (conch- with the classic thin, crisp-bottomed, beautifully char-bub- ignore the small printed menu and wait for the table- packed fritters or salad), and the Old South (lightly but- Continued from page 62 bled crust that fans of the above legendary pizzerias side presentation of about ten catches-of-the-day, termilk-battered fried chicken). The chicken is perhaps crave -- at any cost. Expect neither bargain-chain prices, a arrayed on a tray. Servers identify each fish, explain Miami’s best, made even better with the Grille’s waf- Shing Wang Vegetarian, Icee & Tea House huge selection of toppings (these aren’t the kind of how it’s to be prepared, and take your order. fles. $$-$$$ 237 NE 167th St clunky crusts you overload), nor much else on the menu Whether it’s a simple sautéed fillet or a slightly more 305-654-4008 except a hefty salad and some onion-topped chicken complex preparation like shrimp/crab-crusted Pilar www.shingwangrestaurant.com wings that are also coal-oven tasty. Anthony’s does just a grouper, the kitchen’s veterans know precisely how 20475 Biscayne Blvd. At this unique Taiwanese eatery, run by a trio of Taipei- few things, and does them right. $$ to cook fish. All entrées come with suitable starch 305-937-2777 trained female chefs, all seafood, poultry, and meats in and green-type vegetable, plus various other comple- www.pilarrestaurant.com the budget-priced entrées ($6.95) are mock – imitations Bella Luna mentary freebies, so starters, salads, and sides Chef/owner Scott Fredel previously worked for Norman made from wheat gluten, tofu, and vegetables. But don’t 19575 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura Mall , aren’t necessary. $$$ Van Aken and Mark Militello. He has been executive mock it till you try the quite beefy pepper steak, or 305-792-9330 chef at Rumi, and cooked at NYC’s James Beard smokin’ duck, with slices that mimic the charcuterie item www.bellalunaaventura.com Il Migliore House. Armed with those impressive credentials, Fredel down to convincing faux fat. Other main dishes feature If the menu here looks familiar, it should. It’s identical to 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr. and his partners launched Pilar (named for recognizable veggies or noodles, including appealingly that at the Upper Eastside’s Luna Café and, with minor 305-792-2902 Hemingway’s boat) aiming to prove that top restaurants chewy curried chow fun. As for the rest of the name: icee variations, at all the rest of Tom Billante’s eateries Reminiscent of an intimate Tuscan villa, chef Neal can be affordable. Consider it now proven. Floribbean- is shaved ice, an over-the-top dessert that’s a sort of a (Rosalia, Villaggio, Carpaccio), right down to the type- Cooper’s attractive trattoria gets the food right, as well style seafood is the specialty, dishes like fried slurpee sundae, with toppings that vary from the familiar face. But no argument from here. In a mall – a setting as the ambiance. As in Italy, dishes rely on impecca- Bahamian cracked conch with fresh hearts of palm slaw (fresh fruits) to the weird (grass jelly, sweet corn, kidney more accustomed to food court, steam-tabled stuff – ble ingredients and straightforward recipes that don’t and Caribbean curry sauce, rock shrimp spring rolls with beans, rice balls, chocolate pudding). And the bubble tea dishes like carpaccio al salmone (crudo, with portobel- overcomplicate, cover up, or otherwise muck about sweet soy glaze, and yellowtail snapper with tomato- is a must-not-miss. Using housemade syrup (as opposed los, capers, parmesan slices, and lemon/tomato dress- with that perfection. Fresh fettuccine with white truffle herb vinaigrette and a potato/leek croqueta. Don’t let to most establishments’ store-bought stuff), the cold, ing) and linguine carbonara (in creamy sauce with oil and mixed wild mushrooms needs nothing else. the strip-mall location fool you. The restaurant itself is refreshing boba comes in numerous flavors (mango, taro, pancetta and shallots) are a breath of fresh, albeit famil- Neither does the signature Pollo Al Mattone, marinat- elegant. $$-$$$ even actual tea), all supplemented with signature black iar, air. $$-$$$ ed in herbs and cooked under a brick, require preten- tapioca balls that, slurped through large-diameter straws, tious fancification. And even low-carb dieters happily The Soup Man are a guaranteed giggle. $ Bourbon Steak go to hell in a hand basket when faced with a mound 20475 Biscayne Blvd. #G-8 19999 W. Country Club Dr. of potatoes alla Toscana, fried herb-sprinkled French 305-466-9033 Siam Square (Fairmont Hotel, Turnberry Resort) fries. Located west of Biscayne Boulevard in the Davis The real soup man behind this franchise is Al Yeganeh, 54 NE 167th St, 305-944-9697 786-279-0658 Plaza shopping mall, across from Ojus Elementary an antisocial Manhattan restaurant proprietor made noto- Open until 1:00 a.m. every day except Sunday (when www.michaelmina.net School. $$-$$$ rious, on a Seinfeld episode, as “the soup Nazi.” On the is closes at midnight), this relatively new addition to At Bourbon Steak, a venture in the exploding restaurant menu: ten different premium soups each day (from a North Miami Beach’s “Chinatown” strip has become a empire of chef Michael Mina, a multiple James Beard Mahogany Grille rotating list of about 50). The selection is carefully bal- popular late-night gathering spot for chefs from other award winner, steakhouse fare is just where the fare 2190 NW 183rd St. anced among meat/poultry-based and vegetarian; clear Asian restaurants. And why not? The food is fresh, starts. There are also Mina’s ingenious signature dishes, 305-626-8100 and creamy (like the eatery’s signature shellfish-packed nicely presented, and reasonably priced. The kitchen like an elegant deconstructed lobster/baby vegetable pot Formerly Ruby and Jean’s Soul Food Cuisine, a popular lobster bisque); chilled and hot; familiar (chicken noodle) staff is willing to customize dishes upon request, and pie, a raw bar, and enough delectable vegetable/seafood but strictly neighborhood cafeteria, Mahogany Grille has and exotic (mulligatawny). All soups come with gourmet the serving staff is reliably fast. Perhaps most impor- starters and sides (duck fat fries!) for noncarnivores to drawn critical raves — and an international as well as bread, fruit, and imported chocolate. Also available are tant, karaoke equipment is in place when the mood assemble a happy meal. But don’t neglect the steak — local clientele — since retired major league outfielder salads, sandwiches, and wraps, à la carte or in soup-plus strikes. $-$$ flavorful dry-aged Angus, 100-percent Wagyu American Andre Dawson and his brother Vincent Brown acquired combos. $-$$ “Kobe,” swoonworthy grade A5 Japanese Kobe, and but- the place in early 2007. The diner décor is gone, Tuna’s Garden Grille ter-poached prime rib, all cooked to perfection under the replaced by white tablecloths and, naturally, mahogany. Sushi Siam 17850 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-2567 supervision of on-site executive chef Andrew Rothschild, The food is a sort of trendy yet traditional soul fusion, 19575 Biscayne Blvd. When Tuna’s moved in 2006 from the marina space it had formerly of the Forge, meaning he knows his beef. (Mina heaping platters from several African diaspora regions: 305-932-8955 occupied for almost two decades, it lost its waterfront loca- himself is absentee.) $$$$$ Carolina Low Country (buttery cheese grits with shrimp, (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) tion, its old-fashioned fish-house ambiance, and its outdoor deck. But it has gained a garden setting, and retained its Chef Allen’s ORIGINAL BAVARIAN Join Us For menu of fresh (and sometimes locally caught) seafood – 19088 NE 29th Ave; 305-935-2900 some fancified, some simple (the wiser choice). Also contin- www.chefallens.com BIER GARTEN OKTOBERFEST! uing are Tuna’s signature seasonal specials, like a Maine After 20 years of success in the same location, many OPEN DAILY FROM 5:00PM TO 11:00PM lobster dinner for a bargain $15. Open daily till 2:00 a.m., chefs would coast on their backlog of tried-and-true dish- FRIDAY &SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT the place can sometimes feel like a singles bar during the es. And it’s doubtful that kindly Allen Susser would freak two post-midnight happy hours, but since the kitchen is out his many regulars by eliminating from the menu the open till closing, it draws a serious late-night dining crowd, Bahamian lobster and crab cakes (with tropical fruit chut- too. $$ ney and vanilla beurre blanc). But lobster-lovers will find that the 20th anniversary menus also offer new excite- ments like tandoori-spiced rock lobster, along with what AVENTURA /MIAMI GARDENS might be the ultimate mac’n’cheese: lobster crab macaroni in a Fris vodka sauce with mushrooms, scallions, Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza and parmesan. The famous dessert soufflé’s flavor 17901 Biscayne Blvd. changes daily, but it always did. $$$$$ 305-830-2625 www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com Fish Joint The last four digits of the phone number actually spell 2570 NE Miami Gardens Dr. “COAL.” And that’s what it’s all about here -- a coal-fired 305-936-8333 TEL: 305-754-8002 www.schnitzelhausmiami.com oven (like that at Lombardi’s, Patsy’s, John’s, or Unless one’s mind is already made up before getting Grimaldi’s in New York) producing the intense 800-degree here – and stuck on steak, pasta, or some other 1085 N.E. 79th Street/Causeway, Miami, FL 33138

October 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 63 64 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2008